Sorghum beauty

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world. We hear it mentioned in food production, but what is sorghum really? Its uses vary, but mostly sorghum is a gluten-free grain, or grass, that's used in the production of animal feed, alcoholic beverages, paper, adhesives, molasses and bio-fuels (sweet sorghum). That's a pretty diverse list, especially as a bio-fuel. This was recently discovered by environmental scientists after corn ethanol ended up not being the alternate fuel savior many believed it would be. Sorghum's large (lingo) cellulose-rich stalks can be converted into ethanol quite effectively. An environmental bonus is that sorghum is a drought resistant plant grown massively and inexpensively all over the world, so it can fulfill its diverse job-description easily.


With such an impressive resume, it’s easy to forget that sorghum is also a pretty flower. It’s in season right now with coppery red blooms covering fields all over Maryland. From a distance, sorghum might be mistaken for the amaranthus plant, due to its similarities in texture, color and height. But up close, sorghum’s corn like foliage and stiff blooms stand out against the soft, velvety leaves of the amaranthus.


Sorghum is beautiful both by itself or combined with other flowers in an arrangement. One variety of sorghum is called "broom corn", and it’s used by floral designers to create wreaths, swags, and floral brooms. Traditional African weddings have a “jumping of the broom” ritual where the bride and groom jump over a broom made of sorghum (broom corn) which is can also decorated with bridal themed flowers. Sorghum can also be used for country style flower baskets and bridal bouquets.


If you’d like purchase sorghum for decoration, you can special order it with your local florist from late August through November, as it is not a typically stocked item. It holds up well, although the tiny seeds can be a nuisance when they drop. It’s best to store it in a place where it won't get touched, and let it dry naturally. It should last for at least season or two before it fades.

Gluten-free sorghum beer? Why not?

With all its varied uses, the true beauty of sorghum may be simply watching it grow in fields. The stems are long and showy and the rich jewel-toned flowers are perfect for a flower gazing road trip. Many farms in Baltimore, Harford County and the Eastern Shore grow sorghum and it’s at its peak right now. Who knew a grain could so beautiful?

All photos by the Flower Spy.

Labyrinth beauty

A labyrinth is an intricate, circular path that leads to a center, and it is always unicursal, meaning the way in is the way out. They became popular during the crusades, and the labyrinth's meaning became more religious in tone--to walk it was synonymous with the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Today, labyrinths are more spiritual than religious, and they turn up in a variety of places like parks, prisons, hospitals, gardens and spiritual centers. The objective is to meditate, reflect on inner growth, heal, mourn, let go and connect with the source of illumination. In other words--the essence of enlightenment for the spiritual voyagers of life.


Labyrinths have been around since Greek mythology, over 3,300 years ago. They were found in almost every religious tradition in the world, and were also a part of many indigenous cultures, including the Native Americans, Celtic tribes and the Mayans. Hopi Indians used the labyrinth shape as a symbol for "mother earth". And it was the theme of one of the my favorite award winning Spanish movies, Pan's Labyrinth. But I digress...


I found a labyrinth today completely by accident. I was out in the country searching for neglected beauty with my mother, sister and my favorite girl. We were going to find the famous sunflower field but got a little lost. I decided to continue down this winding, crooked road when I spotted an old graveyard and church called St. James. I stopped and we all got out to look at the graves which were covered in moss and mold--very neglected and beautiful. Out of nowhere appeared a priest who smiled and waved as if he knew me. He said his name was Charlie and he caught me off guard by his friendliness. He was very happy we had stopped at his church's graveyard, and he invited us to look inside the chapel. Charlie gave me some history about the property, but went into great detail about the stained glass panels, of which he seemed most proud. He also told me there was a labyrinth across the street that was modeled after the famous Chartres Cathedral in France. When he mentioned it was surrounded by native grasses, I had a feeling neglected beauty was closer than I thought.

Grave markers at St. James cemetery, Monkton, MD

Old graves stones covered in moss at St. James cemetery, Monkton, MD

I thanked Charlie for all his information and we crossed the street to find the labyrinth. When we saw the concentric brick tiles, the sun was poking through the trees on one side. It was very still and peaceful. We all went over to see it, but my mother stayed behind. That seemed strange to me at first, but now I believe I understand. Her journey is coming to an end, as she is quite old. She didn't need to go, she's already walked it. My journey on the other hand is on-going, and I am in the midst of some major life changes. My sister who is 12 yrs older, was also eager to get started, so we did, each entering on different ends. Our young friend sat on the bench and didn't walk it. At 16, she had no desire to begin so soon-- she is still enjoying the last hurrah of her childhood.


So there we were, three different generations hanging around a labyrinth, each creating our own way. When I reached the center too quickly, I realized my mistake and started over to do it correctly. It seemed like more than a coincidence to me. I have done that before with my life. While it brings a quick outcome and exciting conclusion, the substance is usually lacking. No more short cuts for me--it's not the destination this time, but the journey.


When my sister and I reached the middle at different times, we just stood there quietly. While we had been laughing and having fun, there was a seriousness to the walk. Finding this labyrinth somehow seemed important to me. My sister and I have taken very different paths in life, and sometimes we don't relate very well as a result. We were in the company of a young girl who hasn't thought about making her way yet. Standing in the center of the labyrinth made me realize none of this mattered. We were there together, a part of a journey. Our own journey.


When we left, we found the sunflower fields. They were every bit as golden and beautiful as I thought they'd be. But it was the image of the labyrinth that was still in our minds, it's stoic beauty and round shape. It connected us, making us realize how great things can come from detours. Just when you think you've found what you are looking for, something better, perhaps even more beautiful comes along just to shake things up. I think that counts as neglected beauty, doesn't it?



To learn more about St. James Church of Monkton, MD, visit:
http://www.saintjames.org/

To learn more about the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, visit:http://www.labyrinthos.net/photo_library14.html

As always, double click on images for full impact.
All photos by the Flower Spy.

Free bird beauty

This summer, I became part of an amazing group known as the "Free Birds United," a collective of self-employed female business owners in the arts.

The brainchild of talented graphic designer, Betty Walke-Whipps, the Free Birds was established to help members develop new ideas and strategies during the uncertain economy and changing market. The "Birds" range from writers, television and film set-designers, photographers, even a floral designer. Betty embraced the bird theme after painting a soulful mural of love birds for her wedding two years ago.


Aside from getting tips on how to fine tune blogs and web sites while learning not be so afraid of social media--thank you Renee Lemley-- I have also found myself inspired creatively-- thank you Betty Walke-Whipps and all the birdies.


Bird watching aside, I feel confident that this group is getting ready for take off. Always striving to reach new heights, "Free Birds" seems like the perfect name for a gathering of such courageous women. As a "united flock", hopefully, we can survive and help one another glide through the uneven weather conditions of our present world. Divided, we may stand alone on the wire, uncertain of our direction.

Thanks to Betty's group effort, the skies are looking much clearer for these birds to fly high.


For more information on the Free Birds United, visit:
http://freebirdsunited.com/blog/

ALL PHOTOS BY THE FLOWER SPY