Jack Go To Bed At Noon
Last year this rather exotic looking flower appeared on mine and several other allotments for the first time. Having been stumped (again) by Mr Allotment Warden as to its identity, I rushed home to find out what it was. It's salsify, aka the marvellous Jack Go To Bed At Noon - named as such because its flowers always close by midday. Here you can see both open and closed flowers - making it seem even more exotic and alien than in the first picture. I think this must be the cultivated version because the flower in my Francis Rose Wild Flower Key looks exactly the same in form, but is bright yellow in colour and called meadow salsify . Its other common name is Goatsbeard, which must be a nod to the fantastic dandelion-like clock which forms the seed head. With 'parachutes' like those shown above, who knows how far our plotted plants came from. I rather like the photographic dissection of the seedhead found in this link . Salsify is edible: its lateral shoots and fl
Think of it as encouraging wildlife :-)
ReplyDeleteMy own garden is in much need of TLC too, I simply haven't got the energy though.
ReplyDeleteI am going with easygardener's suggestion ..... it encourages wildlife!
I don't see anything wrong with your garden! Q...What is your garden zone?
ReplyDeleteI meant to answer this sooner. You asked 'Is Monday Musing a general meme or just a regular thing of yours BTW? '
ReplyDeleteIt's me I think, although given the size of t'internet, I doubt it will be an original idea, amd no doubt theres a meme out there somewhere for it too.
Yes, you have a beautiful plot view!
ReplyDeleteCameron
So pleased I'm not the only one with a wildlife sanctuary.
ReplyDeleteJust for a welcome change I've been plotting yesterday and today! xx
ReplyDeleteHmmm, these beds look familiar... Could you by chance have been photographing our garden by mistake?! But we, ahem, make a point of allowing our cultivated wild meadow to stand over winter to give the wild birds food and shelter, and provide a windbreak for the Pullet Palace. Seems to me that you just need to come up with a compelling excuse! (And besides, your beds still look beautiful to me!)
ReplyDeleteI think it looks nice. Mine looks like a jungle.
ReplyDeleteEG - Wildlife - we're awash with it!
ReplyDeleteZoe - don't worry. You're nearly at the end of your treatment. May your energy come back soon. Hugs. And thanks for answering my question too.
Gail - thanks. I've answered over at your place. For anyone else wondering it's Zone 8-ish.
DYH - Thanks Cameron!
IE - I think yours is eensy teensy bit bigger? Hope you have a fantastic time in Africa. I can't wait to hear all about your travels, hopefully not too many travails.
Flighty - good for you! It's been miserable here :(
OFB - I'm a great believer in minimalist gardening and it shows by the number of birds and insects (and squirrels - grrrr!) we get in the garden. However, I do need to clear the lawn at least before the grass gets killed!
Deb - you know that's so untrue! Think of it as the productivity of a Texan autumn!
I'm glad I found your blog thru Cameron's site today. I'm always looking for new blogs with fresh ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm a minimalist too. I choose drought tolerant, disease resistant plants that aren't much bothered by insects. No more pushing zones and watering every other day. I've quit using insecticides and chemical fertilizer. It's much easier not to do battle with nature.
Marnie
Roses and Lilacs - welcome and good of you to drop in :) I like your idea of minimalism, sounds much better than my lazy version!
ReplyDeleteI just tell people I am cultivating green manure
ReplyDeleteGary - why didn't I think of that?????!!!!!!
ReplyDelete