Anne Sandler of Slow Shutter Speed leads the challenge this week asking us to choose photos that represent toughness and an ability to spring back from adversity. After thinking about it all week, I decided to feature seeds. A few years ago I read the book by Thor Hanson, The Triumph of Seeds. Where would we be without them? “In the history of plants, no single event has ensured the protection, dispersal, and establishment of their progeny more than the invention of seeds.” Tough, durable, flexible, and resilient to many of earths climates and calamities, the plants we live with and use as food start from some form of seed.
From my collection of evergreen cones we see where the “naked seeds” of conifers develop, mature and drop onto the forest floor. Conifer seeds often are consumed by birds and other critters, and then dispersed in their droppings. On the right, a progeny of the mother tree grows at her roots.
“Dandelion fluff…helps seeds ride the winds in a delicate spindle tufted with lint – symmetrical, flexible, and perfectly spaced for maximum drift.” You have probably experienced the wonder of blowing dandelion or milkweed seeds into the air and watching the tiny parasols float away on the wind.
“Seeds endure…some species persist in the soil for decades…Dormancy sets seed plants apart from nearly all other life forms…manipulation of dormant seeds paved the way for agriculture and continues to determine the fate of nations.”
Our backyard Holly tree provides plenty of protection for birds visiting the feeders. It also produces a bumper crop of berries every year. In late spring, when the Cedar Waxwings return during migration, they strip off the remaining ripe berries. While cleaning my garden beds, I remove many little holly starts and I’m sure there are an abundance of them growing throughout the region.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Lindy, what an excellent choice you had to highlight resilience. The photos and stories are beautiful.
Thank you, Egídio. It took me a while to settle on the theme, but once there the post fell together!
I think your choice of seeds is spot on Lindy. They offer resilience through regerminating and creating new life which continues the cycle. How resilient is that?
That’s pretty much what I was thinking Anne! I’m glad you liked my post.
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Great photos, great thoughts Lindy. I love the conifer seedlings in particular. Well done.
Thank you, John. The book is a fun read – packed with science and also with good humor!
What a thoughtful post. I don’t know if you remember, but Texas experienced a major ice/snow/blackout event in February, 2021, in a part of the country not really prepared to any of those things. We had holly bushes around our patio, which I didn’t like because they were prickly, right next to the hot tub! Several afternoons, during Snowmageddon, I noticed huge flocks of birds in the back yard. In two days, cedar waxwings feasted on the holly berries! I never compalined about the holly bushes after that. I was magical.
I do remember the storm, Jill. How wonderful that your unloved holly became a haven for those cedar waxwings and changed your opinion of their usefulness!
Seeds – well of course! Wonderful choices! I wish I had thought of that – I also grew up in an orchard and with grandparents growing a multitude of fruits and berries. My grandmother was the most resilient person I have ever known. Working hard day and night tending to her big garden, digging all the land by hand.Then picking all the fruit – with the help of her children and grandchildren, packageing, selling… Also digging water canals for the plants.
And I agree, plucking the fruit and berries from the trees and bushes, and eating them standing there in the sunshine. Not much beats that.
Thank you, Leya. My raspberries always taste best when I’m munching them in the garden!
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I love your take on, Lindy! Beautiful photos.
Holly trees are resilience. They do well in summer and winter here.
Thank you, Amy!