Pavonia time
On May 21st I noticed that the main pavonia mallow bush (Pavonia lasiopetala) in our yard had sprung into action, florally speaking, so I sprang into action too, photographically speaking. Pavonia mallow flowers have kept appearing in the 11 days since then.
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Comedian Bill Maher is what might be called a classical liberal. Firmly on the political left, he’s increasingly felt he needs to call out the extremes on his side of the main political spectrum. To get a flavor for his criticism—always humorous, sometimes offensive, and not all of which I agree with—you can check out this nine-minute monologue from May 20th. Several of his remarks are rated R.
© 2022 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
A beautiful flower amid political points! Good governance! What does it take?
navasolanature
June 1, 2022 at 5:22 AM
After 2020, a year taken over by a moral panic and a pandemic, I felt the need to speak up for sanity, due process, free speech, and other requirement for the good governance you mentioned. One thing that good governance requires is determining facts and then relying on them. I often hear things asserted as true that a bit of elementary research easily shows aren’t true. Obviously people have different preferences for how a government should be constituted and what it should do, but we must start from the facts of any given matter as best we can determine them. In no case should we be basing government on untruths.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 5:36 AM
Oh, indeed! A mum’s organisation asked a question about our prime minister being ‘a habitual liar’ which he didn’t quite deny but just said look at his government plans! But there is no real action even when they show some environmental willingness. Truth and integrity needed.
navasolanature
June 1, 2022 at 2:52 PM
I’m afraid politics isn’t a likely place to find truth and integrity.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 3:03 PM
Such a pretty pavonia.
Gallivanta
June 1, 2022 at 7:00 AM
The wandering mind may find its way back
To this red embedded in solid black.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 7:30 AM
I first read your title as ‘Rose Pagonia’ and wondered how in the world you managed to find the orchid there. Now, I’m caught up. I know that Tina has these flowers, too, and I’ve seen them growing in the demonstration garden at the Brazoria refuge. I’ll confess that they’re not a favorite flower; I’ve never photographed them. I think it’s the shade of pink that puts me off. It often reminds me of foods that are artificially colored pink, and that aren’t especially tasty.
All that said, this is a nice image. I always enjoy seeing bits of pollen scattered around, and the contrast between the pink and the inky black background is appealing.
shoreacres
June 1, 2022 at 8:16 AM
You’ve provided a new rhyming name for a color combination: pink and ink. My impression is that landscapers are promoting pavonia mallow as a worthy native plant here. Last year I noticed that a long strip along US 183 where it curves around the eastern side of Austin had been planted in pavonia mallows, which were flowering at the time (otherwise I wouldn’t have known from my car what the plants were).
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 8:47 AM
The colors are wonderful and so happy!
circadianreflections
June 1, 2022 at 9:08 AM
I agree. We’re happy to have these by the side of the house.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 10:52 AM
Floral and photographic action resulted, once again, in a pleasing portrait. 🌸
tanjabrittonwriter
June 1, 2022 at 11:48 AM
The placidly pleasing portrait plausibly plays up the plaintively plain placement.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 12:23 PM
Such a vibrant colour, I love it. In fact, I have a spring raincoat that colour! Cheers up a dreary day.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
June 1, 2022 at 3:26 PM
Perhaps if you plant your raincoat it will produce flowers like this one.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 3:32 PM
Beautiful, vibrant flower!
Eliza Waters
June 1, 2022 at 3:59 PM
That’s why we’re happy to have some alongside our house.
Steve Schwartzman
June 1, 2022 at 4:57 PM