In Maine, and probably in other states as well, the Lady Slipper is on the "Threatened and Endangered" list of native plants.For that reason, I never pick a Lady Slipper when I find them in the spring, but I do admire them and often take their picture.
Also, I keep their whereabouts a closely guarded secret which I share only with those I know I can trust, only with those I know will not pick them.
Yesterday I decided to take my camera along on my daily walk with Molly, because I'd been watching the patch of Lady Slippers for days and knew they were just about right for their annual photo op.
I snapped four or five photos of the little patch of Slippers.
Then, just as I turned to leave the area and continue our walk, Molly chose that moment to get antsy. She does that sometimes, and I attribute her behavior to the fact that she's a dog and doesn't know hallowed ground when she's standing right smack on it.
In the midst of her flouncing, she stepped right, square on a Lady Slipper. I gasped.
I pulled on Molly's leash, got her back where she belonged, and inspected the damage. I thought the Lady Slipper she'd squashed could simply be given a reassuring readjustment and all would be well.
Not so. Molly had severed the slipper at the base of its stem.
Mortified, I tucked the blossom into my jacket pocket and skeedaddled from the area. It now sits on the kitchen window sill, and I feel responsible every time I look at it. It's a pretty little thing, though.
Oh.my.heavens! I can only imagine you skedaddling away from the crime scene! I bet tomorrow when you walk it will have yellow tape outlining it and it will have been dusted for prints (dog prints in this case)! Call in CSI! However, I love the new header photo, its so pretty. And I wonder if you can preserve the lady slipper somehow? Our lawn has had over 40-50 ladyslippers annually (til the new septic system went in and cut the number in half) and I think one or two have accidently been mowed over...
ReplyDeleteOh poor Molly. I hope she's not in the doghouse. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe lady slipper is very pretty. Isn't the plant itself OK so long as the roots are still there? Actually, I was admiring your Lilies of the Valley. I love their scent every spring.
well, enjoy it wherever you can have it. A dog is like a kid, doesn't know what it is doing...
ReplyDeleteWas there a big stake-out at the scene of the crime today?? P.S. You know you're a dog owner when...
ReplyDeleteShudder, gasp!
ReplyDeleteI'm utterly shocked... okay maybe tickled, and amused is more accurate... by your story.
That's a mighty pretty little flower ya got on your windowsill. It's the first, last, and only time you'll ever have one like it... so enjoy it as much as you can.