Columbine

Taken at the Reader Rock Garden in Calgary on 26 July 2013. Managed to find a pretty perfect flower to photograph : ) Such a joy to see, as the city and province had been devastated by the Alberta Flood of the Century just over a month before my visit to this garden. Not sure what variety this one is, but there are large numbers of hybrids available for gardens. I always enjoy coming across the delicate, wild species, too.

"The flowers of various species of columbine were consumed in moderation by Native Americans as a condiment with other fresh greens, and are reported to be very sweet, and safe if consumed in small quantities. The plant's seeds and roots are highly poisonous however, and contain cardiogenic toxins which cause both severe gastroenteritis and heart palpitations if consumed as food. Native Americans used very small amounts of Aquilegia root as a treatment for ulcers.[citation needed] However, the medical use of this plant is better avoided due to its high toxicity; columbine poisonings may be fatal." From Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilegia

After a few snowflakes fell this morning, the sun has finally come out and there are patches of blue sky. It's -11C (windchill -19C).