ODE TO THE GOLDENROD
Brenda Kay Ledford
Each autumn I suffer allergies. I blame it on the
goldenrod that dots the fields, meadows, and roadsides in northern
Georgia. They wave their golden-pyramid heads in the wind and herald the
arrival of fall. I think these wildflowers are beautiful, but some folks
just call them weeds.
My mama loved fall. She said it was a beautiful
season, but sad. She was dreading the thoughts of winter coming on the
heels of autumn. She loved to get outdoors, work in the garden, and
couldn't stand the thoughts of being confined indoors during winter. She
occupied the long, dreary days by quilting. I still have her quilts and
they bring back precious memories of the loving hands that made the Lone Star
Quilt, Double Wedding Ring, and the Log Cabin Quilt.
I savor this colorful season in the Blue Ridge
Mountains. It seems the leaves change colors overnight. The walnuts
turn first, then the dogwoods wear red berries like the earbobs my mama wore to
church. The golden poplars, scarlet maples, and oaks join the parade with
their bright banners. The wild geese wedge over the water-colored
ridgeline honking their bugles. They give the signal that it's time to
migrate down South.
It's a joy to catch the last glimpse of the Monarch
butterflies as they gear up for their long journey to Mexico. It's sad to
see the butterflies and wild geese leave, but I look forward to the hope come
spring they will come again. It's just a temporary parting.
Back to the goldenrod, maybe it gets a bad rep.
Some people don't get seasonal allergies. They say if you take a teaspoon
of honey each day, that will keep you from having allergies. My neighbor
lady has bees, and I get sourwood honey from her each year. Folks suggest
that you get honey locally because that works best to ward off these sneezing,
coughing, runny nose spells.
So much for the goldenrod. It may cause allergies,
but I still think they are beautiful, bright wildflowers that add so much to
this colorful season.
The Goldenrod
She dots the country sides,
and heralds awesome autumn.
Wishing my blogger friends a fantastic fall!
Blessings,
Brenda
10 comments:
I think wildflowers tend to get a bad rap. To me, they are among the loveliest of flowers.
I really enjoyed your post. You write so beautifully, everything you describe comes alive.
I love your writing of your mother and her quilts. Many a beautiful quilt came from such talented ladies, filling their confined hours with needle and thread. Everything in our area, mostly dried grasses and weeds cause allergies. Goldenrod does not grow here and how I wish it did. It looks like such a cheery flower. Wishing you "sneeze free" autumn days ahead
I love your writing of your mother and her quilts. Many a beautiful quilt came from such talented ladies, filling their confined hours with needle and thread. Everything in our area, mostly dried grasses and weeds cause allergies. Goldenrod does not grow here and how I wish it did. It looks like such a cheery flower. Wishing you "sneeze free" autumn days ahead
I like goldenrod, too, and always thought it was too pretty to cause all that trouble. I've read some "experts" say it is not the goldenrod, but ragweed, which usually grows near it that causes the problems. Supposedly goldenrod pollen does not spread in the wind. You would have to put your face in it!
Hi, Brenda! I saw your comment on my blog and I'm so glad I checked out yours. I'll be hitting the Follow button, for sure! Goldenrod is gorgeous, but I'm sorry you have an allergy to it. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect locale to enjoy the magnificent colors of fall and I know you will. Blessings!
I get seasonal allergies and can't say much for the goldenrods.
I'm not sure how to get in touch and leave a message - but thanks for leaving me a comment on being a new great grandma - it is WONDERFUL.
Sandie skcz@comcast.net
i have terrible fall allergies as well. But mine are due mostly to leaf mold from the falling leaves.
Fall is such a beautiful season. I no longer live in an area that gets severe winters with lots of snow but I remember what that's like. Being confined to the house. How lovely that you have the quilts that your Mother made. True treasures.
I wonder if what we call ragweed is what you all call goldenrod?? looks the same.. one thing I know for sure is that it is an allergy person's nightmare. it is pretty but wow does it cause sinus issues
This is an awesome blog. I'll return to it many times. BVLW
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