Mountain Laurel, December Calendar Flower
As the Mountain Laurel is native in the eastern part of the United States, it is likely George shot this flower on his trip to New England in the spring of 1983. I love this image as it is wreath-like, representing the circular change of seasons, eternity, and inclusion.
Mountain Laurel has a delightful pollination strategy! The filaments are bent and have tension in catapult fashion. When an insect lands on the flower it releases the “catapult” and shoots the pollen as far as 6 inches!