Thursday, August 15, 2013

anatomy and morphology of plants (or interesting patterns)

Exquisite beauty must be found under fine inspection as much as it must be seen on a grand scale. The small crystalline rock has as much intrinsic beauty as the mountain it came from. The plant world offers endless angles and positions to experience this as well. So next time out-of-doors lie down on the ground and admire some of the niceties from close-up. Scented pelargoniums (geraniums) are olfactory orgasm inducers: nutmeg, lemon, lime, rose, and mint are some of the main fragrances that invoke the nose. The fragrances are equally as diverse as their foliar phenotypes. If I recall correctly the pelargonium leaf pictured had a lemony-dill fragrance. Not the most sophisticated but nonetheless verdant and fresh. My suggestion is for anyone with just a modicum of interest in gardening should really allocate a container to scented pelargoniums.



Yellow margins along the leaves and a contrasting silvery-blue almost seafoam green color are what makes Yucca pallida an architectural compact plant. I had access to seed of this species and started from seed in 2006. Not sure whether or not it could survive our winters in St. Louis, I nursed them through the winter in the garage under grow lights and a propagation mat. Following spring they were planted out into perhaps some of the worst soil you can imagine: unamended red-clay rocky soil that is rather sticky when wet. Hardwood mulch over the top, and by Jove, grew with the attitude of a Texan. In the ground since 2006, it has flowered and formed wonderful clumps and managed to take on extremes in heat, drought, wet, and cold.





















Agave potatorum is a wonderful gray silvery-blue rosette of thick leaves with a terminal spine and several catclaw-like recurved spines along the margins of the leaves. The one pictured has been growing in a pot for years and seems to be lifting itself up out of the pot. The tight spiral arrangement of leaves seems like the habit of cabbage. Propagated asexually from a mother plant at my alma mater, I hope to someday see it flower (until then I will likely have to divide it up and give away some plantlets).


Thymus x citriodorus makes an indispensable groundcover for many environments. Less care, better flavor...I guess. Though, the flavor and fragrance is ultimately controlled by genetics and enhanced by environment. Regardless, thymes are perfect in so many senses. Why do we see these so underutilized? Not to rant and rail, but trashy plants abound in poor landscapes. Instead of despicable English Ivy that will take over hell, why not thyme? Most thymes have nice flowers, fragrance, and attract honeybees. Another thing, every time I hear or see someone overreact to bees, I just want to smack the shit out of them. Don't have space? Grow in a tall tulip pot or in a hanging basket. Thymus vulgaris easily can be grown from seed and maybe 60 days after planting can be used for culinary purposes. However, I find it always better dried versus fresh.


Thymus serpyllum is a good subject for rock gardens and amoebically grows and oozes into all crevices and cracks in a well-behaved manner. Too much water will spell doom; so keep it dry and airy.




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