A Burst of Beauty: My Pink Cosmos in Okotoks
Two years ago, I had the joy of growing a stunning pink cosmos in my garden here in Okotoks, Alberta, and its delicate beauty still lingers in my memory. This photograph, taken in the warm light of a late summer day, captures the flower in all its glory—a perfect reminder of how nature can bring such simple, vibrant joy to our lives.
The cosmos in the image is a classic Cosmos bipinnatus, known for its feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms. This particular one, with its soft pink petals radiating from a sunny yellow center, stood tall on a slender stem, swaying gently in the breeze. The petals have a slightly translucent quality, catching the light in a way that makes them glow, while the fern-like leaves add a delicate texture to the plant. I likely snapped this picture in late summer 2023, around August or September, when cosmos are at their peak in Okotoks’ climate, thriving in the long, sunny days.
Growing this cosmos was a rewarding experience. I planted the seeds in my garden container in late spring, after the last frost, in a spot that got plenty of sun—cosmos love at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The soil in Okotoks can be a bit heavy, so I mixed in some compost to improve drainage, which these flowers prefer. They didn’t need much fuss; I watered them sparingly, as cosmos are drought-tolerant once established, and they grew steadily, reaching about 3 feet tall. By mid-summer, they were blooming profusely, attracting bees and butterflies to my yard, adding life and movement to the garden.
What I love most about this pink cosmos is how it brought a sense of effortless beauty to my space in Okotoks. Its cheerful color and graceful form brightened my days, especially on those crisp mornings when I’d step outside to see it sparkling with dew. It’s no wonder I had to capture this moment—much like my other photography ventures, from the Bow River Pathway in Calgary to the Belgian Draft horses at the Okotoks parade, this flower deserved to be immortalized. This pink cosmos remains a cherished memory of nature’s ability to surprise and delight, right in my own backyard.
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