Top Five Wild Flowers in Colorado

I spent the last two weeks in Colorado.  My youngest son attended summer camp for two weeks and so my other two sons and I decided to “wait” for him in Colorado for two weeks.  Sounds rough, huh?  Well, it is a treat that I really enjoy every other summer or so!  We spent the first week in Vail.  One of my most treasured places to visit in the world.  Both my husband and I would visit Vail every summer from as far back as we both can remember.  And some day we hope to retire there.  But lets get back to my most recent trip Vail.  The number one thing on our to do list was to go hiking.  Not only do we love the views but we love exploring.  There is wildlife, amazing rocks, more wild flower than you can imagine and surrounding everything are the towering trees.  The beauty, literally takes my breath away.

 

You may have heard about the record amounts of rain that Colorado has received this summer.  And because of the rain the wild flowers in particular are abundant and  in full bloom.  So I chose my Top Five Wild Flowers to show you.  Now I have to admit, I am a creative which means if you ask me what my favorite 5 wild flowers are tomorrow, I will probably have a different list, but for today, these are my top 5, lol.

5.  Queen Ann’s Lace (I thought)

There are beautiful patches of the clusters of tiny white flowers all over the Vail Valley. I took pictures of them on several hikes and above is one of my favorite pictures.  But guess what I found out….    they are Poison Hemlock!

4.  Pinnate-Leaved Daisy

The beautiful purple hue really caught my eye.  It is so vibrant and the yellow centers really show off the purple!!!!  As Elf would say, it’s very purpley!

3. Wild Blue Flax

Aren’t the colors just incredible on this little guy?  To me it is very inspiring…I think I might include it in a future design!

 

2. Tall Chiming Bells

These are so different than other flowers.  I love the variety of colors and I especially love how the hang downward as if they are sad.

 

1. Blue Columbine

Of’Course being from Colorado, one of my very favorite flowers is the Blue Columbine.  It is such a unique and delicate flower and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

After spending a week being in Colorful Colorado, I am inspired to start designing a collection for both digital applications and fabric.  I might even create some ceramic pieces.  But along with my own designs I also picked up a new needle point piece that will include colors from the wild flowers of Colorado.