driving north...

... through the hills towards Tennessee, the landscape was lush and green. Rain has been so sparse in middle Georgia that the early blooming wildflowers seen in the median and right of way along the road are bloomed out, not to return until spring showers bring them back to life next year. It was a treat to head north, and see the change in growing zones, where elevation has kept temperatures cooler. Spring plants that have finished their blooming cycle in central Georgia in a different climate, are still glorious as the weather moderates in the hills farther north.

Daisies that were so bountifully bloomingly beautiful several weeks ago in  middle Georgia and have since completely faded from view, are putting on a grand show, prolifically performing along the edge of the highway. Queen Anne's Lace has begun to flower, with multiple blooms of delicate white lace-like heads on tall slender stems that bend in the breeze of passing vehicles. Bright yellow coreopsis that comes back year after year, growing in clumps and re-seeding, in brilliant contrast to the white of the daisy blooms. One place, closer to TN, someone had scattered seed of larkspur, where it was growing in tall spikes, brilliant royal blue, and shades of purple and lavender, waving gently in the stirred wind of cars whizzing past. What a pleasant surprise! I almost made a U turn at the next cross over, just to ride by and have a second glance.

I did not expect rain as I traveled, but encountered several showers while driving. We have been rain-less in middle Georgia for several weeks. I expect farmers who depend on Mother Nature are beginning to be concerned about lack of rainfall, needing the moisture to grow crops. I've recently noticed vast acreage of planted corn, about knee high that will not grow and produce without ample water. Over the years of inconsistent rainfall, there have been years when I would travel the country side and see it get waist high and die, never growing enough to gain maturity and provide a crop for market. Let's be thankful for potable water at our fingertips, on demand. As well as not being people who depend of the whims of nature for putting food on the table.