Uncategorized

Climbing Okra Again

| Flower Roberts

Of all my posts about all my plants, who knew Climbing Okra would be the biggest hit?

Maybe it is that I offered seeds to my readers. (No more requests please.)

I am two years behind on my list for Luffa acutangula seeds.

Last year’s pods were feasted on by a tiny mouse.

I found it with its bottom sticking out of my largest pod.

I had to start two different sets of seeds this spring.

I planted the seedlings in three different locations.

I finally have a few pods big enough to eat.

No worries John P, Kevin K , Alley and Susan E , these first fruits will be saved for seed.

(You four can email your address to b12alley@yahoo.com. Nobody else please.)

I will let these pods get about a foot long, take them in to dry, then separate the seeds.

I will mail these out in October. No swaps or payments needed. I like to share.

All these gorgeous flowers in my garden and my most sought after plant is a luffa!

Flower

( I may post about the ants later. I must do more research first.)

Ground Cherries

| Flower Roberts

I found this unusual, little plant at our favorite local greenhouse.

It looked like a potato but the tag said Ground Cherry ‘Goldie’.

I put it in a big pot near the entrance to keep an eye on it.

What a perfect spot for the source of my favorite snack.

IMG_3013

This plant is a Physalis relative of Chinese Lanterns/Jack-o-LGround antern plant.

IMG_3017

Its little yellow pods contain a juicy sweet berry.

IMG_3014

The taste is like pineapple.

IMG_3016

It has been dropping dozens of yummy fruits each day for weeks.

I read that it may reseed.

I hope so.

Flow

I Spy

| Flower Roberts

I purchased pairs of plastic chairs for my parents and in-laws.

Now that folks have to visit outside, they needed more seating for guests.

I kept two in my own carport. I call mine the “Spy Chair.”

IMG_3006

I do not usually do much sitting around during gardening season.

Since my father’s sickness and death, it seems all I do is sit.

I look at all the things that need doing without feeling the need to interfere. (Sorry Moss)

IMG_3004

I call out to my neighbors from behind the vines.

IMG_3008

I drink my coffee in it each morning. I sip sangria while spying in the evenings.

I do not get involved in what goes on.

I only spy and sometimes cry.

I look out at my little world with detachment.

IMG_3009

I do not know when I will rejoin the action.

For now, I will quietly spy as the world goes on by

without me… and without my daddy.

thumbnail - Copy

It is all I can do.

Flow

 

Queen or Angel?

| Flower Roberts

I found a surprise while watering my potted plants yesterday.

I had not noticed the bud on my Epiphyllum oxypetalum before.

IMG_2983

I usually notice every change in my garden.

Right now I am too busy. My precious father is dying.

I go to the hospital alone to take the first shift. Only one visitor at a time due to Covid.

So I am very blessed to happen to notice the bud ready to bloom.

I set my alarm clock to wake me near midnight.

I slipped outside with my flashlight to sit alone with my flower.

IMG_2999

This was its first bloom after many years of growth.

IMG_2991

I was amazed at its complexity.

Its pistil had a shaggy end.

IMG_2996

Its anthers glowed in the light.

IMG_2987

It was the whitest white I have ever seen.

IMG_2993

I sat there in silence thinking that if an angel were a flower, it would look just like this.

It would come to me in the still, cool darkness and give my heart a moment of peace.

This flower may be named “Queen of The Night”, but it was my angel.

IMG_2994

Flower

Last Year’s Fairy Parade

| Flower Roberts

I miss the fairies. They must know that I am too busy to play right now.

I am re-posting their July 4th Parade from 2019.

This was a difficult post to set up. It was so hot that the putty holding them up melted and they slowly leaned and fell down during the photo shoot.

Enjoy!

https://floweralley.org/2019/07/04/a-fairy-fourth/

 

Happy Fourth from FLOW

Lessons from my Garden

| Flower Roberts

Nature is my teacher. I listen to its lessons.

My garden has been telling me things I need to know.

Maybe you need to know these things, too.

Things do not have to be perfect to be beautiful.(Glad with pink spot)

IMG_2757

Share your harvest with your friends. (Eaten poppy seeds)IMG_2774

Just because it is not what you expected, does not mean it is not good. (Should be purple)

IMG_2781

Sometimes you will need some support to stay up. (Climbing okra) Hang on!

IMG_2807

Do not give up on things. ( I was going to take this hydrangea out for not blooming)

IMG_2799

Not all queens wear crowns. (Sovereign Queen daylily) and Shrub Queen

IMG_2763

“Pests” can be adorable. Love them instead of killing them. (Baby grasshoppers)

IMG_2728

Some friends can pick your favorite flowers for you because they know your heart.

IMG_2740
Changing Latitudes (from Joyce)

Even when you don’t feel it, there is still some magic nearby. (Fairy garden growing without the fairies) I miss my magic.

IMG_2801

One little thing can make a big difference. (This is a Passion fruit from my Blue Crown Hybrid Passion vine. I first saw it in Italy covered in its gorgeous blooms and orange fruits. To see it in my yard is a thrill.)

IMG_2710

Everyone needs at least two bunnies. (Barley and Charlotte)

IMG_2817

Waiting for a sign is worth it.

IMG_2720

I have been waiting for the Eagle for years. Yesterday, he came to me. (Thanks Linda)

Peace is with me.

All I have to do is listen.

Flow

 

Lucifer Everywhere

| Flower Roberts

I am not referring to the devil, despite our current horrible situations.

Lucifer is a crazy beautiful plant that I share quite often.

IMG_2703

There are other Crocosmias in other colors, but this guy is the king.

Crocosmia crocosmiiflora, Monbretia, ‘Lucifer’ is its proper name.

IMG_2678

It shows off for weeks in June and July.

It will need some support when the blooms develop. It likes to lean.

IMG_2671

If you do not have this plant, put it at the top of your wish list.

IMG_2667

If you are local, I will share some next year.

IMG_2665

Send me a request, so I can pot some up for you after it blooms.

IMG_2670

I wish it did have a sweeter name that doesn’t seem evil.

IMG_2697

I still love it.

Flow