Still Life – Sea Holly

Eryngium – Sea Holly (see more photos here)

I have long admired these flowers — for the sculptural qualities and, yes, for their common name. I like the idea of gardens growing in the sea (they do, you know) and mer-people tending to them (they might, you know). Ironically, though, they require very little water to grow well. In fact, too much water makes the roots rot out.

When Ryan and I have some land of our own, I will grow them in our garden. Right now, I’ve got a bundle of them perched in a vase next to my iMac, and every second I see them they make me happy! Lord knows, we need all the “happy help” we can get in mid-January.