Do you have any late summer surprises in your garden? I have found several smiles among the ruins of bloomed out petunias, spent geraniums, and sadly wilting tomato plants.
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| Even with the very late mid-summer planting, a little gourd is popping
up here and there among the vines. I love watching the baby gourd take
form from the pollinated bloom. Each little gift surprises at how
quickly it grows and matures. |
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Two sturdy bottlenecks are defying the high temperatures and braving the
insects. Every year I have lofty ideas of grabbing the brushes and paint... turning them into jolly Santas, friendly snowmen, or lovely little birdhouses. Unfortunately, those ideas remain part of my "to do" list!
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| The biggest surprise was the dipper gourd! After planting this type seed for years, the reward is on the vine! I have been enamored with dipper gourds for a couple of years. I had the privilege of actually holding a gourd dipper from Africa that was several centuries old. The stories that dipper could tell! It was an amazing experience. My thoughts were whirling trying to imagine the hands that grew the gourd and turned it into a very utilitarian object... quenching the thirst of each person who drank from it. |
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| The daylilies have reappeared! After cutting these back to update flower beds, they have obligingly made a showy late summer appearance. This type daylily, often called "ditch lily," is scorned by many experts. It's never been a bully in my garden and always a very welcomed sight! The double bloom with lovely deep red markings... what's not to love? | |
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Does anyone know the name of these lovely, delicate little flowers? They come from a very small round bulb and the leaves are a very deep green and spiky. A very dear relative gave me the bulbs and I am sure given his vast knowledge of both flora and fauna, he knew and shared the name. Unfortunately, it is one of those do-over questions I would like to ask, but is now too late. However, the daylilies and these little lovelies are beautiful memorials to a beloved man.
Hope each new day brings you lots of smiles and wondrous gifts of nature in your part of the world. | | | |
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That dipper gourd is very cool, and those are my favorite day lilies. This is such a strange time of year in the garden. My azaleas seem to be rebloomimg, and I don't think that usually happens.
ReplyDeleteJen...Sounds as if your azaleas aren't ready to rest for the season.. that is very unusual! I just hope the gourd stays insect-free so that it dries successfully. I am anxiously awaiting some cooler days so that I can bring home the fall flowers - chrysanthemums are a favorite!
DeleteGardens are the best place for delightful surprises! Now i'm curious about your mystery bulb, will have to do some resarch and see if i can id it!
ReplyDeleteI've got two possibilities for the bulb... check out Tritelia 'Pretty Face Starlight' which is a California native, or Ornithogalum starflower...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne! I will check those. I just don't remember anything Buddy said about these little bulbs. However, when they appear twice a year, I always smile and whisper "thanks" to a very dear cousin. I love what you say on Gardenwright about the "moon garden." My mentor gardener friend impressed upon me years ago that every garden needs "white" to sparkle at night! Even though I love color... I always sprinkle in the whites to enjoy at night! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on my mystery flowers!
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