If I had to name the most successful columbine at the summer cottage, it would certainly be Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’. It has been growing here for nearly eight years now and still seems just as happy as ever. Some plants come and go, while others struggle with the conditions, but Yellow Queen has quietly settled in and made itself at home.

What I especially love about this flower is its shape. The blooms are unlike any other columbine I grow. Their long, elegant spurs give them a graceful appearance, almost as if they are floating above the foliage. The bright yellow colour is cheerful without being overwhelming and stands out beautifully in the gentle light of a northern summer.

For a long time now, Yellow Queen has shared its place with the lilies. Every year they bloom together, creating a combination that I always look forward to seeing. The lilies provide bold structure while the airy flowers of the columbine bring a lighter touch. After all these years they seem perfectly suited to one another.

One reason I appreciate Yellow Queen so much is its reliability. Columbines can sometimes be short-lived, but this variety has proved remarkably persistent. It returns year after year with little fuss, producing plenty of flowers and maintaining its place despite the challenges of cottage conditions. Perhaps that is why it has become one of my favourites.

I have also managed to establish a second plant near the lake. It is still finding its place there, but I hope that in time it will grow as vigorously as the original clump. It would be lovely to see Yellow Queen spread to other corners of the cottage surroundings. The flower is too beautiful to remain in only one spot.

For now, though, I am simply happy that the old plant continues to thrive. Each summer it reminds me that some garden companions are worth waiting for. Year after year, Yellow Queen returns with its golden flowers, as dependable and beautiful as ever.