A night-blooming interlude

Magic energy seemed to be in the cool night air on the eve of summer solstice as our night-blooming cereus opened its flower buds…

Revealing its stamens and stigma…

Six blooms opened at the same time…

Adding grace, beauty, and a sweet fragrance…

To our backyard garden and our outdoor kitchen.

This night-blooming cereus is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night,* and its blooms last only one night and close at sunrise (See time lapse*).

The flowers are white but seem to change colors depending on lighting conditions.  Sometimes flowers seem to change colors before our very eyes.*

The night-blooming cereus adds a touch of peace and serenity to our garden, which enhances enjoyment, relaxation and meditation.*

*This is a link to a YouTube video.

Author’s note: Please see my latest update in my post, “Spring flowers, leaves and end of life options,” on the progress of SB 128, the End of Life Option Act, as it makes its way through the California Legislature.