Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fun Monday on Wednesday

Karmyn of Dreaming of What Ifs was the host of the August 10th Fun Monday event. When I peeked at the task that Karmyn assigned of showing pictures of what grows in our gardens, I was determined to participate. However, Monday came and passed, and I did not get around to composing my post.

My status of gardener is probably at the kindergarten or even pre-school level. At our old home of 38 years, I rarely planted anything in the ground, but I am appreciative of what was planted by the former owners. In the spring at our old house, lovely paper Narcissus grow on the north side, and sweet-smelling Lilies of the Valley grow on the south side. Dandelions as well as violets thrive in the new spring lawn. In July next to the garage, Day Lilies bloom for the entire month.



Lilies of the Valley



Sweet Violets





Day Lilies

At our new home in the country, we have a new set of plants again cultivated by the former owners. The day we closed on the house, a gorgeous Yucca Plant greeted us with a large cluster of white blooms. After we moved actually moved in the house, several Rose of Sharon bushes started blooming. To add to this delight, we have observed a hummingbird flitting around the blossoms. This has added great joy to our country living.


Rose of Sharon

Two interesting plants from my mother-in-law have joined us in the country. One odd plant with a fetid-smelling flower, which my husband's family calls Kruby although the plant is actually named Konjac and scientifically named Amorphophallus konjac. The foul smelling plant has some scary common names like Devil's Tongue and Voodoo Lily. The other plant blooms at night, and my mother-in-law calls this one Night Bloomer because the blooms only open in the dark.



Amorphophallus konjac - Devil's Tongue





"Night Bloomer"

Thanks to Karmyn for hosting this Fun Monday. I am sorry to have missed the real event, but I hope to visit the other particpants to see what is growing at their homes.

11 comments:

Margaret said...

Those are some very interesting plants, several of which are totally unfamiliar to me. Devil's tongue?

Karmyn R said...

I don't think I've ever seen this Devil's tongue before - very cool looking.

I have a Rose of Sharon - they are so beautiful when they bloom!

Thanks for playing. You know - I'm still looking for a host for next week. (hint hint)

Jill said...

I will very likely get some of my mom's violets and johnny jump ups! ooh I love those too! I love that the devils tongue says 'AMOR' like, love at the front, 'rar'! Thanks for the comment over at my site!

Pamela said...

I'm heading for Karmyn's to spend 8 days with her 3 kids while she goes to Hawaii. Hope I have the energy..hee he.

I'm trying to figure out if the night bloomer feeds night winged creatures or something?? werid.
and the fetid smelling plant. I'll just let you keep that one. (:

Janis said...

Your perennials are all beautiful flowering favorites of mine, I especially love lilly of the valley, they are so fragrant. Congratulations on your new home..may you have many happy years there. Good to see you back in the groove of fun monday.

Faye said...

Lilies of the valley are just delicious--don't care if they spread all over. I like that you've "adopted" the plants with each of your homes. Very civilized! BTW, it's never to late to do a Fun Monday! Hope you're enjoying the new home.

Have you started back to school yet? The big yellow buses rolled through the county for the first time today.

ChrisB said...

Sorry I'm very late. Lilies of the valley were a favourite of my granny and I've been trying to grow some it's taken a few years for them to establish but finally had a few blooming this year.
Devil's Tongue is a new one on me-not sure I fancy it if it smells bad. I'm intrigued with the night bloomer as I've never seen(or heard) of those either.

daddy d said...

Maybe next year will see more growth at your house. Yellow flowers are nice.

Cazzie!!! said...

Whaqt lovely pictures. I love seeing the different flora of each country around the Globe. Such intricate flowers and leaves..tankyou for sharing :)

karisma said...

Well it certainly looks like you are doing well. Such beautiful flowers. Hugs and smoochies, I have missed you! Mwah mwah mwah xxxoxoxoxoxo

Faye said...

Hi Molly! Just popped over to let you know that the sign up for August 24 Fun Monday, which I'm hosting, is posted. The topic is "Back to School" in honor of the start of a new school year. With a twist--I'm asking everyone to share info about a class they may be taking or a new skill they're learning. For you, DIY re-modeling? :-) Also share your thoughts on the value of lifelong learning for we "old" people!

Hope you have time to play--just leave me a comment and I'll put your name on the list.