The obvious “Q” would be Quercus. Quercus alba, Quercus coccinea, Quercus velutina, etc. But my favorite Quercus isn’t a tree, it’s Hydrangea quercifolia.
A beautiful Hydrangea (‘Snowflake’ is the variety I have), with double flowers and oak-shaped leaves that start a beautiful, fuzzy green in the spring, and end a beautiful, rich burgundy in the fall. This is what I think of when I see the letter ‘Q’.
Pollen, pollen, everywhere. In my nose… On my pants… On my car. I had so much pollen on my windshield this evening, I had to use my windshield wipers and copious amounts of wiper fluid to get enough off so I could see.
I know pollen is necessary for plant survival… Heck for our survival. But is it any wonder that my favorite season is fall?
My Red Rabbit Iris bloomed today. Too bad I was so eager too see it. When I bent over to look at the bloom, my library book slipped out of my hands and smashed the bloom – snapped it right off the stalk and smashed the petals into the ground.
. I’m so bummed, I was looking forward to snapping a pic and sharing it. Too bad I was so impatient.
The book came through okay, except for a little bit of purple staining on the edges of the pages. I guess that’s something.
Published on
April 17, 2011 in
Sprout.
Sprouting:
- More Daffodils (Crazy late!)
- Gladiolus
- Hosta
- Asters from Meanlouise
- Hardy Argeratum
- Joe Pye Weed
- Balloon Flower
Blooming:
- Iris from Meanlouise (Buds on all the others)
- Phlox (2 kinds)
- Alpine Strawberries
I spent the day cleaning up the yard, but I did take some time to notice some of the beautiful things.
I’ve always loved the word necklace. Neck. Lace. So appropriate.
The 2011 Smithsonian Craft Show was an amazing and inspiring collection of artists from around the country. I saw a lot of really beautiful jewelry, including lots of neck lace:
Glass bubbles
Paper chains
Felt collars
Truly inspiring art. I encourage you to Google the artists. So much beautiful work.
I suppose that it’s appropriate that this has been floating around in my head on the day for my ‘L’ post:
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung…
Love and be loved, people. I don’t know that there is anything else to say.
- Kalanchoe: One of my favorite plant Genus. I have two varieties in my yard right now. I prefer the hairy, ugly ones as opposed to the prim, florist types.
- Kalimeris pinnatifida: False aster. First time I’ve ever heard of this plant.
- Kallstroemia grandiflora: (Arizona Poppy) I grew these when I lived in AZ. [longing sigh]
- Kniphofia: South African native. A lot of people like them. I’m ambivalent.
Does anyone know of Eastern U.S. native plants with botanical names start start with K?

(I wish the good camera had been charged.)
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