Month: October 2023

One Little Firecracker

| Flower Roberts

This sweet baby came up in the gravel near where I had a pot full of Ipomoea lobata last year.

I couldn’t just leave it there struggling to survive, so I carefully put it in a small pot with a stick.

In no time at all its little top was waving in the breeze looking for some support.

I planted it in the big pot where its mama plant was last year.

I love how the tiny blooms emerge red.

As the raceme of blooms elongate the older flowers fade to yellow.

That is why it has another name, Spanish Flag vine.

I consider this vine a gift. I did not have time to buy seeds for my trellises this year.

I am grateful one little seed showed up to fill the void.

My garden is a blessing.

FLOW

The Old, Blue Music Box

| Flower Roberts

One of the mysteries found at Mama’s house was this old, blue music box. It was on Daddy’s side of their closet. Mama does not remember it, but dementia has erased things.

It is a swiss music box by Thorens.

It has a well-worn cover. It is small like for a male or for travel.

The music is lovely. I have played its tune over and over.

Its lovely notes have been soothing to me.

Becca

Immortality Again

| Flower Roberts

I love this iris because it blooms again in the fall after blooming in the spring.

I would have named it ‘Second Wind Iris’ but that is less poetic, although more accurate.

I do not crave immortality, but I would like a second wind in my sixties. I am too old to be me!

I have too much left to do to be huffing and puffing and stumbling up and down the hills. The next life doesn’t concern me. I am trying to get through this one.

I must admit the sight of this iris blooming causes a pause. I admire its glowing white blooms reflecting the sunlight. I appreciate its blooming when most plants are shutting down in the cooler weather.

It does make me think about a continuation of life. It also reminds me that life has its own schedule.

I do not know where I am trying to go with this. I guess I am at a cross-roads in my own life. Hoping to bloom one more time before going dormant.

Maybe, deep down I feel like I haven’t bloomed yet and I am hoping for another chance.

FLOW

Mesmerized by Muhly Grass Dancing

| Flower Roberts

If you add only one more plant to your garden, add pink Muhly grass.

Just when I think that the garden is done, Muhlenbergia capillaris, rises up and dances in the fall sunshine.

This plant has given me so much joy. It is gorgeous in sun or covered in dew drop diamonds.

My favorite time is to watch it dance in the wind. It is such a dynamic plant in bloom.

The Muhly tutu is bending, turning and swaying like a dancer in the breeze.

Mesmerizing!

FLOW

Blooming Dunce Caps

| Flower Roberts

One almost needs a magnifier to see the tiny, complex blooms of this Orostachys succulent.

The name ‘Chinese Dunce Cap” comes from the stage when the flower stalk first appears in September.

This tiny plant likes a sunny, protected spot with excellent drainage.

I have some in a trough at almost eyelevel so it can be admired up-close.

FLOW in FALL

Entangled

| Flower Roberts

There is a hypertufa pot under this creeping fig tangle.

The Blue Spruce sedum cannot get what it needs to thrive because it has been covered over by an agressive plant.

Entangled, smothered and trapped. Over-taken by a bigger, stronger bully.

It will take some work to break this pot free, but it can be done… It must be done.

We all have a right to sunshine and rain, no matter how small or weak.

FLOW

A Walk Around a Wetland

| Flower Roberts

I love to stumble upon places to learn.

I went for a walk on the Boone Greenway and discovered a wetland created in the middle for teaching about nature and controlling the mosquito population.

This jewel was created in a low spot next to a stream to control runoff.

I recognized many wetland natives and spotted two deer living right in the midst of folks out walking.

This type of thing makes me very happy. The more people learn about nature the more they will appreciate and respect it.

Way to go Boone, NC!

FLOW on the go.

A Trygg or Not a Trygg?

| Flower Roberts

This little hobo has moved around our house for decades like a little elf.

Finally he landed in Daddy’s top drawer for safe-keeping.

My sister and I have been sorting through items to keep or sell.

I have put him on a shelf at eye level. He seems to watch me walk by like a male Mona Lisa.

He is a work of art. The carving and coloration are exquisite.

Is he the work of Carl Jonah Trygg?

C. J. Trygg’s descendants also carved hobos, but this one looks sly and slouchy like an original.

Is he a valuable carving or just a look-alike hobo? I wish someone was left to tell me.

He is not signed. The front of one foot has been glued on. Maybe the signed base broke off.

No matter. I love him. I need him. He must have been valuable to daddy.

He will be moved to the mantle in the mountains where he can watch us for a few more decades.

FLOW and the HOBO