The pink and white lady's slipper (Cypripedium reginae), also knows as the showy lady’s slipper, was adopted as Minnesota's state flower in 1902. Found living in open fens, bogs, swamps, and damp woods where there is plenty of light, lady's slippers grow slowly, taking up to 16 years to produce their first flowers. They bloom in late June or early July. The plants live for up to 50 years and grow four feet tall.
A century ago, the showy lady’s slipper was a favorite adornment in rural church altars during the summer. Since 1925 this rare wildflower has been protected by state law (it is illegal to pick the flowers or to uproot or unearth the plants).
I took these photos Sunday afternoon, 13 June 2010, on the Johnson family farm in Clearwater County, near Clearwater Lake. I had never noticed them growing in this area before, but the colorful blooms couldn't be missed Sunday - wow! I was so excited because I absolutely love the lady's slipper - gorgeous blooms!
We made the trip north for Burton's cousin's funeral on Saturday. His cousin, Dale TeHennepe, age 69, was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago. We also helped Burton's mom, Arleen, celebrate her 82nd birthday Sunday, 13 June. We made her several good meals, brownies and angelfood cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
It was a cloudy, rainy weekend over a wide area. Burton hoped to clean out our boat, but didn't want to work out in the drizzle, so found another clean-up project in the shed.
