Many, Many Names

   Sometimes it amuses me how many names one plant can have.  I understand that a lot are regional names given by the locals but it must be awfully confusing to folks who are dead set that one name is only allowed for any plant and that name is the one they know.  Personally, I am good with whatever you call your plants.  No problems.  Still, it amuses me.  

  For instance, for years now I have been growing a odd little plant that my aunt gave to me.  Parrot Lily is what I had always been told was the name.  Ok, so good!  I knew a name and that was purely satisfactory.  Who needs anything more?  Well, there is more (as always).  It appears that my Parrot Lily is a Peruvian Lily which is also a Princess Lily or to some a Lily of the Incas.  In reality, it is an Alstroemeria.  With that big name it is no wonder folks found easier things to call the plant.

  All of this name finding came about simply because as I was cutting grass this morning, I noticed that the lilies had formed seed pods.  To me, seed pods of a plant can be just as interesting as the blooms.  The pods remind me of a stained glass window (without the multicolors).   As I was cutting, I made a mental note to collect the seed pods for a future planting.  While the lilies grow really well under the shade of the orange trees, it would be fun to have them in other parts of the gardens, as well.  Parrots have to fly, you know!  

More than just plants...

  My gardens that surround the Little Bayou House are a mishmash of plants.  These were mostly gifted to me by long gone family members and dear friends.  During the spring and early summer months, the backyard begins to resemble a rainforest of sorts.  Plants literally get so entangled that it is impossible to walk the paths.  These plants come up and grow where they please and I could not be happier with the look. 

  There are two areas that are completely covered with the gloriosa lilies.  The lilies have multiplied and are now entwined with the citrus trees and buckeye tree.  Gloriosa lilies have a need for a trellis as they are tall and spindly but, over time, the plants have solved their problems on their own.  Each leaf has a tendril that will wrap tightly around anything that is within reach so you better not lallygag about the garden too long or you may become a trellis yourself!  The gloriosa lilies were a gift from Pop.  His gardens were always impeccably maintained and the lilies always were showstoppers!  

  In an area nor far from the gloriosas, the parrot lilies have outdone themselves.  Parrot lilies are also known as Peruvian lilies or Inca Lilies.   For most of the year, the plant grows close to the ground with the prettiest little rosettes of round leaves.  Then, suddenly, they shoot up tall stalks with 7 to 11 blooms in a cluster at the top.  Each bloom on mine are deep red edged with green.  They are tube like flowers that draw hummingbirds and butterflies in droves.  The parrot lilies were a gift from a favorite aunt.  She had them planted by the steps of the door leading to the Bay.  I remember helping her weed this garden one time and she gave lots of advice on how to let plants and people have their own space.  Her gardens were always a wonderland of interesting plants. 

  While my gardens will never compare to those of the folks who gifted the plants, they are filled with the love that came with the gifts.  I think of these folks each time I meander the paths ducking beneath the low hanging branches and admiring the variety of blooms.  Today, it occurred to me that gardens are more than just plants.  They are true friends, great teachers and keepers of memories.

This and That...

It was another rainy, blustery day here on the Bayou and I am beginning to feel the effects of being indoors for three days in a row. I miss my garden! I miss the trek to the pier! I miss sunshine! I did sneak out early this morning between showers to check the hotbed and the north garden. In both, the seeds have all sprouted so it appears we will have lots of tomato, pepper, squash and cucumber plants! I am already looking forward to some fresh vegetables..for some reason greens and cabbages don't count as vegetables in Spring.

This rainy weather has caused numerous mushrooms to pop up all over the yard. These pretty little ones remind me of parasols. Perhaps some tiny yard elf has taken to poking umbrellas out because of the constant showers that we have had this week. Actually, these are Grisettes. A type of mushroom that is found in lawns, fields or woods..but just a word of warning..I have been told that they are poisonous! I do not plan on eating them so for the time being they can stay in the lawn. On a side note..they get their names from the early French slang word for a bohemian working girl who may or may not have been as prim and proper as her upper class counterparts.

On another note..the elusive Rufous-sided Towhee that lives in a clump of Palmettos near the marsh was finally photographed! I managed to sit still long enough to capture my friend on film. I say sit still long enough because with the coming Spring..there have come the gnats! The rain today kept the gnats at bay giving me the photo ops. This towhee is one of my favorite birds simply because it is so shy. It is quite the busy little bird that is always scratching around hunting for a meal. This pair have been nesting in the Palmetto clump for the past several years now and I hope they continue to do so.

Some old friends returned to the birdfeeders today. The House Finches have made their way back to the yard. These birds usually do not migrate but I have not seen any for months now. Perhaps there was just enough for them to eat elsewhere and they did not need the easy pickings of the feeders. Still..welcome back, old friends!

Happy Note! The "Parrot Lilies" are multiplying! Alstroemeria is one of my favorite things in the garden and is quite hardy and easy to grow. My start came from my Aunt and Uncle's garden years ago but has had a rough time trying to survive. It has been mowed down, trampled and mistakenly weeded out of the garden. It has gone through hot summers, hard freezes and hurricane floods. Still, it keeps returning and this year looks healthier than ever before! This is in the same grouping as the Inca Lilies and bears a strong resemblance to those from the florist shop. I do believe the humming birds and honeybees like it as much as I do!

A lone White Pelican made its way into the Bayou last evening. Its snowy white feathers gleamed even through the rain and clouds. These White Pelicans are much larger than the Brown Pelicans that usually hang around the Bayou. This bird is huge and can weigh in at up to twenty pounds and have a wingspread of over nine feet! That is one massive bird! In comparison, my Browns weigh around ten pounds and have a wingspread of around six feet. It was nice to see a White visiting!

One final tidbit, I have added a page to the blog. On the top tool bar, notice there is a clickable page called "Cooking on the Bayou". At the moment, there is only a recipe for Bayou Gumbo, but I will soon add many more recipes. I hope all can enjoy some good, old-fashioned Bayou meals from these recipes! Have a great day!