Sweet Smelling Flowers, Open Windows and Cool Breezes!

  In the evening when the temperatures start to drop a bit, I turn off any air conditioners and open the windows.  I find I sleep better with the sounds of the Bayou instead of the constant, irritating buzz of a machine.  I cannot relax when anything is "going fast".   The ceiling fans on the slowest mode, ACs off and windows open make for a good night's sleep.  Hearing the frogs, crickets, owls, fox, cicadas and even the coyotes can put me in dreamland in nothing flat! 

  This evening, I pulled aside the heavy curtains, raised the blinds and flung open the windows on the east side of the house.  These windows overlook the garden making the air greet me with any number of aromas. Tonight, a sweet, floral scent wafted in on the evening air.  Ahhh, the Four-o'clocks were blooming!  Tonight's sleep will be even more restful!

  Four-o'clock is the common name given to the plant, Mirabilis.  The plant grows up to four feet tall and is covered with hundreds of sweet smelling blooms. It gets the common name from its habit of blooming late in the evening only to close come first light.  The plant can be grown from seed or by tuber and once you get a start, it usually will last a lifetime.  Sometimes, the sheer number of seeds can be a nuisance as the plants will spread about the place.  This is easy to remedy by picking the seeds or merely cutting the plants with the mower.  

  The Four-o'clocks in the garden are "volunteers" that have claimed a spot in one of the herb gardens.  The plants sit among the Oregano, Thai Basil, Dill and Fennel.  None of the herb plants seem to mind their new neighbor so the Four-o'clocks can stay for now.  Later, they will be relocated into a more appropriate spot...preferably near the windows!