Flowers in the Asphalt

“Even in the harshest environment, Life Finds a way”

Flowers in the asphalt is one of my favorite things to see while strolling through a city street. Such seemingly fragile plants can push through concrete and smash through cement. It reminds me that all this infrastructure is impermanent. That nature can take it all back in a matter of years. That the will to live can triumph over all adversity.

I wasn't really intending it, but the plant here is very similar to Calendula officinalis, which is a vulnerary herb (helps repair skin cells and encourage second intention healing) that is fantastic when made into a salve for repairing cuts, burns, and other surface wounds. It's also a tasty edible that you can put in salads.