Well, it was dang hot so of course we planned our afternoon mostly in the car. And we were going to visit old friends of Shirley’s.
First stop! And the first location of the Narrow-leaf Morning-glory (Ipomoea shumardiana). As you can see only buds were present. Were they three weeks late like some other plants this year?
Not a friend of Shirley’s, the Common St John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) It is a non-native and seems be spreading more with each passing year along the roads.
A Dayflower (Commelina erecta var angustifolia) was nestled in the fence row.
Second stop! Success! The Narrow-leaf Morning-glory (Ipomoea shumardiana) had one blossom. This was very encouraging as this section of the road bank had been scraped by the county a couple of years ago. None were evident on this side of the road last year.
A side shot of the same flower. The narrow heart-shaped leaves belong to the Narrow-leaf Morning-glory. This was the only one that was open. Some plants had no buds, but others had multiple buds.
Third stop. Jackpot! It was hot so yes we drove several hundred feet for this stop. LOL It was nice to see that the landowner on this stretch of the road still does not mow. We have spoke to him before. He knows these are special plants. And additionally luckily the county has not scraped this part of the road side.
Further down the road we made a stop to admire the Rough-stem Rosinweed (Silphium radula)!
In the disk (center part) flowers you could still see the Fibonacci spiral!
Side view shows the wide phyllaries and the hairy rough stem.
Also at this stop were a patch of the Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa var mollis). Jeanne said they had a nice fragrant. I just have to take her word on that. LOL
Another stop at another of Shirley’s friends, the False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora)! As you can see I will have to return soon to see them blooming. 😉
Final stop was to check on the Potato-vine (Ipomoea pandurata). I did not expect to see any open flowers as it is a morning person and it was the afternoon. However, I wasn’t expecting to see no buds. Maybe it was just late too.
Certainly it is always great to visit Shirley’s old plant friends. And I like to think of them as my old friends now as well. 🙂
Very sweet!
I planted a Silphium radula in the new bed in front of the farmhouse and found out the deer eat it so I had to put a fence up around it.
And I do remember you and Shirley showing me that False Foxglove. It was memorable.
I have one Narrowleaf Morning Glory plant from Bill and this is the 3rd summer. Still no flowers. I have 2 Lindheimers MG and each has had buds but I also don’t always catch them in bloom. Usually catch them as the bud withers.
The monarda is my favorite. Leaping worms. Who woulda thought.
Crazy for sure..
Very sweet!
I planted a Silphium radula in the new bed in front of the farmhouse and found out the deer eat it so I had to put a fence up around it.
And I do remember you and Shirley showing me that False Foxglove. It was memorable.
I have one Narrowleaf Morning Glory plant from Bill and this is the 3rd summer. Still no flowers. I have 2 Lindheimers MG and each has had buds but I also don’t always catch them in bloom. Usually catch them as the bud withers.
I remember when and where Bill dug the morning-glory up. Interesting that the deer like S. radula.
Having you share some of my mother’s special plants always makes me smile. Thanks for sharing.
Makes me smile to think of her. You are welcome!
I love the Shirley Tour. Super news about the morning glories you feared were lost!
Shirley would have been pleased. 🙂
Hello to Shirley’s friends! They’re looking good!