Pretty flower:
I wanted to get closer. The challenge was that the plants were growing in a moist nook at the base of a hill, where they were overhung
by arcing branches of gorse (Ulex europaeus).
If you have never dealt with gorse, you are lucky. It is nothing but an irascible mass of spine and spines. And unfortunately, the very
lightweight, rapid-drying, synthetic-fabric pants I was wearing were very easily penetrated by the spines. Ow! Ow! Ow!
Those arcing branches hang stiffly from above, and manage to sneak under your arms, behind your back, and between your legs. And
they sting! Ow! Ow! Ow!
Isn't this an adorable little plant? Can you see the nasty gorse spines drooping around in the background? Ow! Ow! Ow!
