2007-05-02 13:04:32 · 4 answers · asked by chrissy f 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Plants and gardening took possession of my life very quietly. I'd come back from work and just stop to pull a weed that caught my eye. Then I'd find myself propped up in the evening with a catalog or two. Finally a friend bought me a gift membership to the society and I went to a meeting. I'd heard about people with addictions standing up to admit their problems. Well here I was amongst people acclaiming their passion. So I admitted I was hooked. I am a rose grower.
I don't remember showing any interest in my mother's garden. It was a chore like any other. One I could do as I walked by, grab a weed, and say "yes, Mom, I did some gardening today". I used to help her while she fuffled about her roses, you know dusting and mulching and clipping. Being there year after year I began at last to take an interest in what was going on around me. I observed the unfolding minutiae of the humdrum garden vegetation, I was surprised by each floral event. I came to realize what she did had an order, a languid procession that took an entire year to come about. What I once saw as abrupt or disruptive was timed and poised. Apple trees now stunned me with their blossoms, rhododendrons delighted me with their indumentum, but the lasting image is of the roses. Walking under the apple to the old yellow rose trellised on the south side of the fenced garden. This rose grew in huge bristling arcs above me, each arc graced with pale yellow blossoms back lit by the setting sun. What was once just a nasty lot of prickles was a mass of blossoms with ruffled, cupped petals of silk clasping a little bouquet of stamens.
Then I left home and forgot all about gardening. But I guess if one is English there is a time one will garden. An ability that will be expressed. Like cancer I have a two hit theory of gardening. Part is genetic, part is environment. It is working directly with plants that gives me a place to reflect, and it is my roses with their complex scents that ambushes me every time I walk into their influence. I now spend a great deal of time sitting in my garden marveling at my hortus conclusus. My place of hidden tranquility shut off from the bustle of the rest. In every aspect is a rose. Some so small they are best appreciated seated while others sprawl and many twine up trees. I am a rose grower. Thanks Mom.
2007-05-02 15:38:21 · answer #1 · answered by gardengallivant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Batflower! Tacca chantrieri
It's a huge dark maroon/black flower, the blooms are 12" across! It has 'whiskers' hanging down the blooms almost to the ground! The plant can be as tall as 36"!
They are so beautiful!!
Unfortunately it's tropical in zones 10 and 11 and I am in zone 5...but still it's a beauty!
2007-05-02 17:15:08 · answer #2 · answered by beautifulashes777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lillies
2007-05-02 14:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by Aqua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clemantis, they come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are great climbers on fences, trellis, etc.
2007-05-02 16:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by Sebastian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋