False Indigo

  So far, this has been a weird growing season for many plants around the Bayou.  Perhaps the unduly warm and wet winter (or lack of winter) had something to do with the confusion.  None of the fruit trees have bloomed at the "correct" time and the flowers have just gone amok.  I never know when I will find something crazy going on around the gardens!  Just today, I remarked to Son while he was up repairing the roof that the False Indigo was in full bloom and that it was not the right time.  Being his usual self, he never stopped work but replied "Well, at least it was truthful."  It took me a moment to catch onto his bit of witticism but I guess in a way, he was right.  The bush was living up to its name...maybe?  Normally, this bush blooms anywhere from late February to mid-March.  Not this year! Here it is late April and the thing is gorgeous!

  False Indigo is a neat little shrub that can be found growing wild down in the creeks around here.  Years and years ago, Uncle Alfred (God rest his soul) and I were strolling down near his creek when I spied the pretty bushes blooming.  I asked what it was and he replied with his usual "A Ditch Daisy!"  We had a good laugh and then he told me all about the bush.  He even helped me dig up a few of the smaller saplings to take home.  I now have a lovely bush growing next to the Frog Pond!  The only downside is that as the blooms fade, they shed tiny dots of dried up tubular petals or whatever they are.  The Frog Pond now wears a lovely coating of purple flowers. 

  The actual name of the bush is Amorpha Fruticosa.  To my way of thinking, its moniker of "False Indigo" is a lot easier on the tongue so I will stick with it.  I like the little bush merely because it reminds me of a happy time spent with Uncle Alfred.  Since his place is not longer as it used to be so many years ago, I am sure that I will never have the opportunity to snatch another.  Thankfully, these are easy to root from cuttings!  Now if I can only get my False Indigo to be truthful about its blooming seasons!