We transplanted a couple of Virginia Bluebell plants (Mertensia) when we moved from Walnut Knob in 1999, setting them into the bank across the creek in rich woods, as close to the environment from which we had taken them.
For years, they survived but not much more. Now they are spreading–both across the creek and below the back door along the branch. They have survived multiple trouncings by the dogs (ours and our perpetually-borrowed neighbor’s dog).
They have been stunning this year, at least early on, and now gone leggy as the maples begin to compete for sun.
We are surprised at how many visitors have never seen them growing wild. My first experience was in 1976. I had driven up from Wythe County to meet friends for the first time in Rock Castle Gorge the third week of April. They bloom a little earlier than that these globally-warmer years.
That’s a beautiful photo of a beautiful wildflower. I wish they grew in the West, too.
Great capture. I recall picture taking efforts of these while in the Smokies. It wasn’t easy to capture their spirit since they droop downwards and are low to the ground.