Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Onion

Photgraphed this Allium flower at the Reader Rock Garden on 24 July 2013. "Allium is a monocot genus of flowering plants, informally referred to as the onion genus. The generic name Allium, the Latin word for garlic, is said to come from the Greek αλεω, to avoid, because of its offensive smell. The genus, including the various edible onions, garlics, chives, scallion and leeks, has played a pivotal role in cooking worldwide, as the various parts of the plants, either raw or cooked in many ways, produce a large variety of flavors and textures. The genus contains hundreds of distinct species; many have been harvested through human history, but only about a dozen are still economically important today as crops or garden vegetables. Many others are cultivated as ornamental plants." From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allium

I LOVE Alliums - see, Rebecca, great minds think alike : ) This huge beauty was growing in a spectacular garden that we visited a few weeks ago. That evening, we had visited a gentleman's cactus garden, and this other garden was just a few houses away. I just love all the tiny, "metallic-looking" stars. A handful of us went out to hike in Bragg Creek Provincial Park, west of the city, this morning, but ended up having to end our walk because of torrential rain! We did attempt to wait it out by going for delicious hot chocolate/coffee (a welcome treat - thanks to Dorothy and Stephen), but the rain just didn't quit. I think we have to wait till Friday before the weather improves, unless the forecast changes.

The species name "cernuum" refers to the crook in the flower stem. Apparently, it is one of the better-tasting wild onions.