There are untold numbers of reasons to adore flowers. I suppose my own love affair with them began when I heard the tale of the fairy sleeping nestled among the petals--Thumbelina, I think it was? While the rest of the world's magic may fade, the magic of nature remains firmly ensconced in blossoms.

Studying them in a scientific manner didn't wipe away the sense of mystery, but strengthened it. The fabulous intricacy of pollination a cosmic accident? The unlimited array of shapes a geometric boo-boo? I don't buy it. Of course, there will be those who will accuse me of arguing from disbelief, but no matter how hard I try to believe that these beautiful denizens are merely evolutionary happenstance, I simply can't.

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