My long and enjoyable three weeks in the Franche-Comté were filled most days with desperately needed rain. The forest, grass, and flowers soaked it all up, literally, so we tried not to mind getting wet while taking our daily walks.
We saw a variety of flowers in window boxes, flower boxes in the towns, as well as in gardens. But in the wild, the most prolific flower was Impatiens balsamina. That’s a bit of a mouthful, so feel free to call it by one of its more descriptive and enjoyable nicknames: touch-me-not, lady’s slipper, and jumping Betty. You can see the slipper shape that gives rise to that name, but to my mind, touch-me-not is exactly right, but not because touching the plant will hurt you.
See the green seeds pods in the lower left-hand corner of the photo? If you touch one that’s just ripe enough, the pod explodes, sending the tiny seeds in all directions. It’s startling the first time it happens, but so much fun that you’ll just want to keep on doing it…as we did. You’ll have a great time helping bring more flowers into the world. 🙂
Oh sounds, a great wild flower and ready to pop all over to survive.
When animals or birds brush against it, or maybe even a very strong wind, all those seeds will be spread out. But it’s fun to just pop the seed pods by hand. 🙂
janet
When I was very young, my grandmother used to have a bottle of forget-me-not perfume. I loved it so much and the fragrance still wafts around in my mind, though I haven’t smelled any since that time. They must be related to jewel weed that we have here, because they also pop seeds the same way and I believe are a member of the impatiens genus. My internet is too slow this morning to download the pics, but happy you had a great trip!
They are related to jewel weed and when I was looking these up, I saw so many similar ones that I wasn’t sure if I got this one correctly identified, but I think so. Isn’t the popping fun? 🙂 I think when I was little lily of the valley was a popular scent. I love jasmine and lavender now (not together, of course.)
janet
I love the scent of both of those, too, and lily of the valley. The popping IS fun 😁
Welcome back Janet. Lovely image.
Thanks very much, Su. I hope all’s well with you way over on the other side of the world. 🙂
We’re having a very wet spring — my garden and water tank are definitely benefitting.
Interesting! That would have been a fun experience.
It was a lot of fun. 🙂
janet
Sounds just as therapeutic as bubble-wrap! And much more beautiful!
Ha! I hadn’t thought of that but it’s very true! 😄
Such a beautiful bloom, and what fun, to help spread flowers at a touch. 🙂
It was immense fun. Sometimes the small things can provide the biggest fun.
Or… make up a new name for this gorgeous flower….. Femme Petale 😀
Oh, well done! 🙂
janet
😀
Gorgeous blooms
I’m glad you enjoyed them. 😊
janet