Late June through July is when Foxgloves bloom here in Maine, a favorite plant of the fairy folk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tall, lovely plants they are biennial, which means they bloom the second year when started from seed and then their life cycle is completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here at the farm I gather seeds once the blossoms have dried on the stem, sprinkling them here, there and everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

The scattered seeds settle on the ground; when  summer draws to a close fairies gently tuck them into the soil where they will rest through the winter. The seeds will “slumber” beneath dried leaves and deep snow, sprouting the following spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first year foxglove seedlings will grow lush green foliage but they will not produce a single flower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is during the second year of their life cycle that Foxgloves grow tall bursting into full blooms.

The fairies all the while continue to sprinkle them with magical dust, nourishing and encouraging the plants to grow.