Beauty's Lease hath all too short a date

The Pacific Rhododendron flowers in the photo are on their way out, the whole plant all dried up, is also on its way out. But today the flowers still look luminous against the fringe cups blooming behind them. And they have a compelling history, because of the fact that in 1892 before they had the right to vote, Washington state women selected the coast rhododendron as the state flower. They wanted an official flower to enter in a floral exhibit at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. In 1959 the native species was designated the official flower of the state of Washington.

Nikon P1000

Franzis, Photoshop