Azaleas...Not Just A Bush...A Memory!

  The weather is quite perfect....if you are a plant.  The warm, foggy nights keep things at just the right condition for plants to grow and grow they are.  As I was out walking the old dog, Mr. PJ, I came across the one part of the yard that is not cluttered with construction material from our ongoing battle with termite damage.  The lane that leads down to the main road is lined with azalea bushes and these appear to be nearing their peak bloom time.  As we meandered in the midst of the bright blooms, it almost seemed to transport us to some mystical, magical place.  Of course, the entire Bayou is sort of a mystical, magical place but when you throw in a whole slew of azaleas that tower above you head, it is perfectly exhilarating.

  Azaleas are often thought to be strictly a thing found in the Deep South.  Our places are dotted with the bushes or lanes are lined with them.  During the springtime, nigh on every yard has at least one bush and most have dozens or even up to hundreds depending on how old the homestead is.  Interesting thing is that these are mostly nonnative plants!  The azalea was first brought to the United States from Asia around 1830.  Word is that a plantation in South Carolina was the first known place to use the bushes in their landscaping.  From that time on, the popularity spread like wildfire and now the azalea has become synonymous with the Deep South.  Granted there are a few native azaleas but none look much like the showy blooms we now know.  

  Another interesting fact is that most locals are quick to share their plants so there is not a lot of need to "buy" bushes.  If you want some, ask.  Someone will definitely have "a few layered".  Most locals know to throw a brick, log or shovel full of dirt on a low lying branch to root them.  If a need arises, there are plenty to share.   In fact, every bush on the place here has come from an old homestead.  My grandparents and parents gave us some as did several aunts and uncles.  Sharing plants used to be the thing to do when a young couple married and set up household.  It is sad that the custom has almost gone the wayside now.

  My mystical. magical place in the midst of the azaleas brought back many happy memories of the folks who supplied our yard!  The sweet scent of the blooms will definitely draw me back down "Memory Lane" a few more times before the blooming wanes.