This is one of my favorite flowers....the moon flower. It grows on a huge hearty vine. All summer long the vine gets thicker and darker, the vine itself is as thick as a finger....it loops and lunges until finally it begins to sprout it's beautiful buds that also grow as long as if not longer than your finger.
The reward does not come until the end of the summer...sometime in late July early August the display begins. You have to keep an eye out for the buds that are about to open. I remember when my mom first grew this plant....we'd all sit in the middle of the yard in the evening watching the vine.
When the bud is ready to open, you can watch it in action. Actually watch it unravel and spread its petals open wide and stretch...if that is not enough, the scent is the extra reward. I can't even describe it so I won't even try. However, it intensifies as the night goes on and the aroma is an exquisite welcome as its scent follows the breeze into your window at night. They are lovely to see at night stretched wide as large as a hand opened wide to the light of the moon. By morning they're gone, the only thing left is to wait for evening to watch the production all over again.
Today Blisschick talked about heirloom seeds. For months I'd been dreaming of a fresh summer heirloom tomato. Until I read her post today, I did not understand what the heirloom part even meant. It is the original genetic make-up of a seed. Non altered. No wonder those tomatoes taste so good!
After more research I learned of the importance of harvesting the seeds of these plants. I ordered several and I will be harvesting my seeds this season. Until now, I have only ever harvested the pods of my lovely friend the moon flower (see below). From now on I will definately make seed harvesting a huge part of my gardening....I want to make sure that my nephew's (he's 12) kid's kid's get to enjoy the sight and smell of the lovely moon flower, as I know it today.
Today I am thankful for buds and seeds like the embryo they are the portal from which life itself springs forth.
Lifeis: About preserving ancient, natural beauty. I need to get to building my trellis!
P.S. I've always been a flower grower as opposed to a veggie grower, I get the most sun out front, but this season, I am challenging myself to mix it up. My first idea....pea vine alongside the morning glories, peppers next to the daylillies....we'll see what happens!
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