April 5

After a period of no activity, apart from those already on their way, out of nowhere a butter-n-eggs seed germinated, 24 days after I planted it. Admittedly, I had high hopes that these seeds were viable, since I collected them last October from a smallish specimen at a trailhead up island on Martha’s Vineyard. I am particularly fond of this snapdragon-looking flower, and I’d like to transplant it if the warmth comes to stay. I envision a hillside full of butter-n-eggs, giving the late summer day a golden and green patchwork, which moves in the wind.

There is such a field here near Paxton, though it is Lupines that cover it in full around mid June. Just down the Holden road, a mile or so after Grove, the road descends sharply and curves toward the reservoir below. On a hill that is the frontage of an old white farmhouse, spread out over perhaps ½ an acre, are wild lupines. When they come to flower in late June, the land is awash in pale to dark purples, set against the greenery and the summer sky above.