Every summer we patiently wait in anticipation of the bloom of our lotus plant. We fear it did not survive the harsh New England winter and then we are greeted by that first distinct leaf which dwarfs the other standard day lily plants. This year was no exception. Then begins the long wait until the plant matures and forms a bud. We silently exclaim,” please don’t burst into bloom the week we are on vacation or the day we are attending an out of town wedding!” For part of the drama of the lotus is that it lasts for only 2 days.

The first day you can see the emerging bloom in hues of luminous pink ,peach and yellow and the plant reaches its greatest height, towering over the water lilies.The second day, the weight of the full bloom arches the stem into a bow. The lotus achieves its full glory as it unfolds like a spinnaker to reveal a new, rich, creamy shade of pink. The lotus had the grace to reach this stage on a Saturday this year, which afforded the opportunity for both of us to photograph to our heart’s content. We were able to dedicate time to position the flower to our vantage point  against the surrounding foliage.  Every hour unfolded a new tableau-the changing angle of the sun, the playful frogs dancing around the pond and the reflection of the lotus shimmering off the water.With patience, we entertained an array of insect visitors, who also delight in the beauty and fragrance of the lotus.

On Sunday the faded petals litter the pond and the lotus glory is but a memory until next year.