Friday, October 27, 2023

Grades and shades of ivy

One last colourful dance
London, ON
October 2023
This photo originally shared on Instagram


I can’t identify plant matter to save my life. So if I’m mistaken in calling this ivy, please accept my apologies.

Whatever this is, it inspires me.

On a cold, cracked concrete wall in the shadows of four lanes of high-speed traffic, it clings to life despite everything this harsh environment throws at it.

All summer long, it ducks in between countless rounds of graffiti, followed by just as many rounds of graffiti removal. Yet still it grows, seemingly oblivious to the forces intent on killing it.

Then, just before the snows fly, it puts on one last show of colour, a brilliant gradient of sheer defiance before it disappears for good.

Next spring, it’ll be back, proving once again that tenacity beats environment every time. And even a stringy-looking plant can hold lessons for us.

But only if we take the time to stand next to the cracked concrete and ponder what’s possible.

#ldnont #london #ontario #canada #medway #valley #heritage #forest #tree #trees #red #ivy #leaves #thames #river #stilllife #nature #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #photography #nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #nofilterneeded

Related:
Tenacious twine, March 2022
Clinging to life, February 2019
Climbing the walls, March 2018
Looking back in time, October 2009
He's dead, Jim, July 2008

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