This year we struggled to keep a couple store bought columbines alive in the apron of my yard (also struggling, though my wife insists it looks great). First they drooped, then they bleached out and/or turned brown - apparently dead. I read an old pamphlet from a local nursery that said something to the effect of “it’s a wonder anything grows here at all” when describing the soil and climate here in Jackson. Great.

However - two hopeful notes.

First, after returning from a weeklong trip where it apparently rained here for days, the once dead columbines have come back. One’s even threatening to full-on bloom!

Second, my wife discovered a huge patch of wild columbine on one of her insane mountain runs. She took me out and we harvested a small handful while I was gasping for air. My dad tells me these seeds will have a much better time getting established than the ones we transplanted. Here’s hoping…

Arik