My "Step" Plant

  The spring has been quite rainy.   We get thunderstorms nigh on every evening which is fine by me because I sleep well during storms.  I figure that my chores for the next day are easier as I do not have to drag the water hose around the gardens to give the plants a drink.  Those clouds do a fine job...better than what I can do.  Besides, there is something soothing about rain on the rooftop and wind that rattles the windows just a wee bit. So, I sleep...soundly and peacefully.  The other night, however, it was particularly rainy, rather windy and lightning was putting on a fantastic show through the south windows I had just settled in with the cat snuggling near me when I heard an odd thud.  Hmm...wonder what that was?  I sat up and strained to hear over the raindrops pelting the roof.  I heard nothing more and almost started to think I imagined the noise.  I looked at Bat, the cat. He stirred a bit then snuggled a little closer.  He did not seem concerned so all must be well.  Bat is pretty good at keeping me informed about what should be investigated and, obviously, a thud was not a threat.  The cat snuggled, the storm raged and I slept.  All was well in the Little Bayou House.

  I was busy canning plums the next morning so did not get to find my "thud".  It was not until two days later, that I discovered the source of the sound.  The wind had knocked down one of the hanging potted plants next to the French doors. The arbor surrounding these doors has a great structure that allows for hanging plants to be draped everywhere!  Well, the wind must have not appreciated the decor because one of the arrowhead plant was now a "step" plant and not a hanging one.  The small chains were broken causing the plant to plop right down on the step.  It looked quite at home there, so  it will stay.  My "step" plant is doing nicely...in fact, it looks much healthier since it fell.  This makes me wonder if perhaps the other five should come tumbling down!

Wapato

   Most folks think that the term "marsh" purely refers to the reed-like grasses that grow there.  Down here, the term refers to anything that grows in the vast expanse of bogginess between solid ground and the water's edge.  Yep, the needle rush and cordgrass does do well and both are the most commonplace of all the plants but there are hundreds of other native plants that grow in the "marshes" along with a lot of non-native invasive plants.  Once you get to looking, you can spot some pretty interesting growth in among those reeds.

  One of my favorites is the wapato or arrowhead plant.  Back in the day (yep, I am allowed to use that phrase because I am ancient!)...back in the day, Pop called this plant "Duck Potato" and that is still my name for it.  This name was given because wild ducks and geese love to eat the "potatoes" or tubers that are the base of the plant.  These thick roots stabilize the plants as they grow in mud or water up to two feet deep.  Other animals gnaw on the tubers and they are even ok for human consumption (if you can get past the muddy smell).  To be honest, I have never tried them but, in a pinch, it is good to know where you can find free food!

  The blooms are what attract me.  There are a dozen or so buds that grow on a tall stalk.  Each bud opens into a three-petal white blossom that has a button-like, green center.  The buds open in stages so the beauty lasts for weeks.  The leaves are arrowhead shaped and sometimes a good 18 inches in length!  It is truly a fascinating plant.

  I am now on a mission to study more of the plants of the marshes.  Hopefully, Son can repair my camera so I can get decent photos.  I was fortunate enough to get today's photo before the goofy thing went on the blink again.  I hate to think I may have to break down and buy another as I am quite sure none will be as dependable as this nigh on 20 year old thing has been.  (Keep your fingers crossed that Son can work magic on it once again...or the blog may just come to a grinding halt.)  Anyway, look for Wapato in your area. It grows in every state except Nevada and Alaska!