Revival Time!

  Years and years ago, my aunt gave me the start of many plants that grew in her gardens.  Aunt Marie always had beautiful gardens about her place and some of the most interesting plants could be found there.  One plant in particular stands out as a most memorable one.  The plant has a large head of tiny, purple flowers and some of the smelliest (stinky!) leaves that I have ever been around.  The plant does not have a stench unless you rub against the leaves.  Then...watch out!  Then, again, it must just be me because some folks have no problem with it.  Several of my sisters-in-law seem to like the "scent".  I guess it is sort of like those of us that like the smell of garlic vs those who do not.  Anyway, the plant is a favorite of mine regardless of its scented leaves. 

  When Aunt Marie gave the plant to me, I was thrilled that it did so well.  The start grew rapidly and multiplied greatly for the next few years.  Each summer, blooms filled the tops of the plants and attracted all sorts of butterflies.  Then, along came a few hurricanes, an illness and a lot of neglect.  These plants along with most others in the garden whithered and died out.  I was saddened at the loss but just did not have the energy to even worry long about it.  Then, a few years ago, a small shoot came up from an existing root.  It struggled and finally gave out without blooming.  The next year, the root again sprouted and gave me hope.  No bloom was seen that year either.  I started caring for the plant again and soon it was healthy and, today, a bloom!  I now have five small plants and the one blooming.  Hopefully, this means that the gardens will soon be filled with the purple blooms and many butterflies!  I am excited!

  The only downside to this whole tale is the fact that I cannot recall the name of the plant.  As matter of fact, I am not sure I was ever told the name but it matters not.  The plant and its smelly leaves are back and I am happy! Perhaps one of my cousins will recall the name and refresh my memory...hopefully!

Once again..an unknown..

As usual, I was out and about early this morning.  If I had to choose my one favorite time of the day, I would have to say it is right before and right at sunrise.  There is just something exciting about the start of the day!  Every thing is new, fresh and awake!  My hikes usually take me to the pier for the sunrise and then about the hillside.  I survey the area and make plans for the day. One of my biggest thrills is finding some new critter that has wandered in to visit..an unusual bird that has stopped at the feeders or a new plant that is in bloom.  The sunrise was gorgeous and my walk proved quite interesting!

This morning's find..a lovely little plant!  Walking through the gardens, I noticed a splash of purple down near the mulch.  Even from a distance, I knew the blooms were too large to be the Oxalis but I had no recollection of planting any other purple flowers in this particular garden.  This was exciting!! I eased over to the edge of the path to find out just what this bit of loveliness was!  Up close and personal...I still did not recognize this plant!  Could I have planted this and just not remember?  Umm..that would not be good! Investigating the plant closer, I have come to the conclusion that this is some sort of bulb.  Perhaps one of my kids planted it...or maybe a bird dropped a seed...or perhaps the wind donated a seed.  I suppose I will never know but I do like it!  It is quite a bright spot in the garden.  It would make me happy if it decided to multiply and fill the garden with purple! 

Now, here is a question to anyone who might know.  Is this a crocus?  I have no idea since I have never grown any before but it sort of resembles the pictures that I have seen.  And if it is..how do I make it grow and multiply?  Any answers would be appreciated!