Orange Hawkweeds (which here appear red due to the expired film I used) commingle with their sisters, Meadow Hawkweed. Hawkweeds are considered invasive - they are master multipliers. They can easily take over a field and restrict if not eradicate the earlier established biodiversity. Obviously this is hugely problematic. But perhaps, we ought to look at them from a different angle. These brilliantly colored flowers were named “Hawkweeds” by the Roman naturalist, Pliny, because he believed hawks dined upon them to strengthen their eyesight. How might we follow the tradition of the name and use this plant to sharpen our own way of seeing? Let me say here, I’m not a biologist, horticulturist or even a gardener; but, I am in pursuit of a lifelong partnership with the living world. Is labeling a plant invasive and calling for its banishment helpful? I believe, when the earth speaks in abundance, in multiples, like with an invasive, it is our job as humans to look and listen. As a florist, this means I want to use as many invasives as the farmers and foragers I work with can provide. Imagine if our flower markets were full of teasel, phragmites, hawkweeds, kudzu, porcelain vine, multiflora roses, honeysuckle...the list goes on. And our culling of these plants helped balance their abilities to overtake some environments while elevating them to the literal eye-level of others who might find innovative ways to use and be in partnership with these plants. I can see it.