Moonstruck by Moonscene

| Flower Roberts

May is Amaryllis time here. I will share many of these throughout the month, but none will be more quietly gorgeous than ‘Moonscene.’

This is the flower of dreams. Perfect shape and luster. Lovely coloration and patterns. I have been stalking its stalks for weeks. Watering and staking and waiting to see those lovely faces.

I must admit that I have referred to many of my Amaryllis/Hippeastrum varieties as the “clowns of the garden.” I am ashamed of this harsh judgement. They cannot help being over-hybridized. They have been manipulated genetically to be big and showy. This is their purpose as a holiday flower in the fray of holiday decor. (Stay tuned for those.)

However, when these specimen are transferred to outdoor gardens they seem comical and out of place. They must be placed properly so as not to clash with the other plants. My favorite grouping is by a pond surrounded by ferns.

If you want an Amaryllis that stands out without flash and clash. I do hope you can find yourself a ‘Moonscene’ to add interest and beauty.

Moonscene

FLOWER

My Daddy’s Wind Spinners

| Flower Roberts

We tried to keep all the truly special items from our parent’s home place. The perfectly wonderful house on Enwood Drive in Charlotte is still on the market and showing several times each week. We must sell it to pay for our Mama’s care, but I still have trouble believing it will not be our ‘home’ anymore. No price is high enough for me. I am a big baby about change.

I brought my Daddy’s wind spinners to my house. We have a lot of wind here on the water. Seeing these dynamic pieces of yard art spinning around makes me smile.

The yellow plane does not make any noise. Daddy wanted me to paint this red and yellow to be like his old Piper Cub. Someday, I will get around to it.

The Windmill also needs a new paint job. That will have to wait until gardening season is over. It creaks as it whirls. Maybe it will deter some deer.

The one that did get a new coat of colors was the bicycle.

Seeing it flying in the wind always makes me smile. I gave this to Daddy years ago. It was red. but I painted it bluebird blue because that is Daddy’s favorite color. Daddy thanked me for this bicycle over and over again. I can still hear him adding to the end of a conversation…”and thank you again for my bicycle.”

Its wheels spin so fast the spokes are a blur. It makes a whizzing sound. I really miss my precious Daddy!

FLOWER in the wind

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.

FLOWER

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!

FLOWER

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.

FLOW