Heroes Not Zombies

This week, I noticed this tiny little flower blooming in the grass. It’s only about the size of my middle finger. When you get down on your knees and take a closer look it’s got a thick, stubby stalk with tiny white flowers all over it.

Extraordinary. I’ve never seen a plant quite like this. Having noticed this one I then realised there were many more of them scattered over a large area of grass. This happens all the time. Flowers appear suddenly. One day they aren’t visible, the next they’ve shot up and unfurled their petals. Just like that. It still astonishes me.

Of course, the next thought is, “what is this?” which is a question that’s easier to answer in this age of phone apps. There are several which enable you to take a photo of any plant and upload it for instant identification. “Picture this” and “PlantSnap” are two I’ve used a lot. But recently a neighbour showed me “Seek” which lets you put in your location then it will show you the wildflowers, birds, mammals and fungi which are common where you live. Brilliant!

I’ve now discovered that the latest iPhones have this recognition function built in, without needing any apps. I don’t have the latest iPhone however, so I’ll be sticking with the apps for now.

This little plant turns out to be “Prunella laciniata”, commonly known as “Self heal”, or, “All heal”, a plant used in traditional and herbal medicine to promote natural healing.

As a retired doctor, discovering that I’m surrounded by healing plants in my garden is an added treat. This is only the latest of several species I’ve found, and I’m adding to them by planting others.

From the sheer pleasure of discovery, to the delight in beauty, to the joy of wonder and the provocation of curiosity, these everyday discoveries deepen my enjoyment of life. This is one important aspect of what I’d call “a good life”.