Two Minutes Du Jour

During our Montana hikes, my husband often stops to appreciate a wildflower. He has tons of photos, and thanks to Google, he can identify the names and attributes of the many plants that grace the trails and meadows. His favorite known to the locals is Indian Paintbrush, which only grows at a specific altitude.

I was less enthusiastic about the flowers on the path. Yep, pretty. Move on.

I’m not sure what changed, but now, as you well know from this blog, I’m more inclined to notice, pause, snap a photo, share and appreciate the simple beauty hiding in our midst. Our Minnesota walks provide ample opportunity to enjoy wildflowers; each day, they amaze me more than the day before.

Have you ever paused to really look at a wildflower? I’m talking about getting up close and personal to see the colors and patterns. To notice the differences from the day before. There’s something special about taking a moment to notice the small things, even in something as common and unknown as Prairie Ironweed – just last week, these were purple.

Wildflowers like Prairie Ironweed don’t ask for much. They aren’t pampered in gardens or fussed over by horticulturists. They grow where they’ve decide to take root. They’re the original DIY plants, thriving on their terms. And in doing so, they play a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting pollinators, preventing soil erosion, and adding to the biodiversity that keeps our planet in balance.

What I’ve come to love most about wildflowers is how they invite us to slow down and pay attention. Beauty doesn’t always shout—more often whispers. The more I think about it, the more I realize that wildflowers teach us a lot about how to live.

Take resilience, for example. Prairie Ironweed doesn’t need perfect conditions to bloom. It grows in tough soil, stands up to strong winds, and keeps coming back year after year. There’s a quiet strength in that. It’s a good reminder that we, too, can thrive even when the circumstances aren’t ideal. It’s about standing tall, no matter what life throws at us.

And then there’s the lesson of simplicity. Wildflowers don’t need to be flashy to be noticed. They just do what they’re meant to do—grow, bloom, and contribute to the world around them. It’s the simple, steady things that have the most impact.

Two Links Du Jour:

Field Notes – a weekly newsletter of urban nature writing and photography by author Christopher Brown, including his latest, A Natural History of Empty Lots

Wildflower Learning Center – American Meadows offers a beginner’s guide to choosing and growing wildflower seeds