Firecracker vine

Nature Comes to Me

| Flower Roberts

I came very close to falling last night. We have steps everywhere outside. I needed to water some pots. I started down some steps at the spigot, I stumbled in slow motion. My bionic knee pogo-sticked me into the air. It was a miracle.
I have promised myself to stay on level ground until my surgery later this month.
I slithered out the front door to my chair. I sat quietly as hummingbirds zoomed across in front of me.
They love the Firecracker Vine. Males and females buzzed by my head. I enjoy the sound of their wings and the quick chirps they make.

Firecracker Vine / Ipomea lobata/ Spanish flag vine

Then not one, but two, Pileated Woodpeckers landed in a tree close-by. These two giants seemed to be conversing face-to-face on the trunk.

Two Pileated Woodpeckers

I am so grateful for these lovely visitors right outside my door. They are all the company I need.

FLOW with friends

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