Month: April 2024

Ground Orchid Needs Safekeeping

| Flower Roberts

I have worried over this Ground Orchid plant for several years. It seems happy in this spot, but I fear it will be crowded by its neighbors. I have dug up some surrounding plants and moved them, but the little Bletilla cannot keep up with the fast growth of others.

I have finally decided to put part of it in a pot for safekeeping. That way I can move it around to see if it will grow faster with a bit more sun. Also its tiny, complex blooms deserve close inspection, which is not easy when it is a low-grower.

I have found that I relax more when I have at least two or three of my favorite plants, so I won’t fret about losing that variety altogether.

Now that this purple Bletilla striata is safe and divided, I can move on and obsess about another plant. A special Amaryllis perhaps?

FLOWER

The Swinging Red Epiphyllum

| Flower Roberts

Any Epiphyllum gets my undivided attention while blooming.

This red Epiphyllum oxypetallum is blooming on only one side because I hung it at a window over the winter and forgot to turn it. Look away and you will pay.

I hope the other stems will be inspired to bloom now that it is hanging in the sunshine.

I use two hooks to hang these so they are easier for me to water. This makes for a lively display on windy days. It can be a bit dangerous trying to water them in wind since these have small spines.

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Taco Supreme is a Dream

| Flower Roberts

This bearded iris is not a color I would have chosen. It came in a set from Cooley’s decades ago.

I suspect that selling sets help them get rid of the less popular varieties. ‘Taco Supreme’ was probably one of these “bonuses” in the mix. I have come to love this iris. It grows slowly. It glows red and gold in the sunshine. It stands out among all the pink, purple and white blooms at April’s end.

I love this luscious bloom. I am glad it came with the set. I do miss the Cooley Iris Company. Their rhizomes always arrived big and healthy, unlike the shriveled pieces in garden center bags.

More iris to come…

FLOWER

Single Peonies Stand Alone

| Flower Roberts

This is the time of year I tour the gardens with stakes in my hand because so many flowers need support. I appreciate any that do not need help staying vertical.

Single Peonies can support themselves. I also love how their big petals flap in the breeze.

This white form is named ‘Krinkled White.’ Its blooms blush as they open.

It also has bright yellow, curly stamen to brighten the center of its face.

I do not have a name for this single pink. It looks lovely from any angle.

Every garden should have some peonies. They are a delight!

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Fatsia Finally Flourishing

| Flower Roberts

This Fatsia has been babied a bit too much. I am bad about trusting myself in letting my plants to thrive on their own.

This shrub has been lollygagging in this spot for two seasons. I was doubting whether I had made a proper choice of placement until now.

The ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia has finally sent up a proper plume of new growth. The various patterns on the new leaves has reminded me why I gave it such a place of honor in my yard.

I am fascinated by variation in variegation patterns. These leaves are prime examples of this.

It has just earned its spot by the steps.

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The Purloined Poncirus

| Flower Roberts

I must confess to stealing a fruit from a Chinese Bitter Orange tree on a South Carolina plantation many years ago. I need to bare my soul of picking the little citrus and stuffing it into my bra.
I forgot about this stolen cargo until late that night, as I was changing my clothes the shriveled little fruit fell out and rolled across the floor.

Why I felt the need to steal seeds from such a mean little tree is beyond me. I think I was impressed by its long, sharp thorns.


Now I have two mean trees of my own. With equally long and strong thorns.

No fruit yet.
Such is the live of a plant addict. A pinch here…a pick there…

Stashing precious cargo in pockets and undergarments.

Such are the crimes of the afflicted.

FLOW

Little Much Rescued

| Flower Roberts

I thought I had lost this lovely, bearded iris, Little Much. It was in with some bullies and could not thrive enough to bloom. When the group was divided, Mystique had room to bloom and reappeared.

I love this delicate flower with a bit of shimmering glow.

It has its own tier in the plant nursery. It will stay there until it needs dividing.

Some plants are worth the pampering. ‘Little Much’ is one of those.

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