Our yard is still in transition. Temporarily permanent as we say in my family. It's an ongoing process and one that will never be finished. We aren't too bothered by that. We've learned that it is cheaper to feed the birds if we let the grass grow and give room to weeds in patches of the yard. And we shop for plants that make everyone happy. Like this butterfly bush, for example.
Or these very pretty stock plants. The bees and the butterflies have already been visiting them. A few wasps as well.
Of course, there are people plants too. Marjoram, lemon thyme and french tarragon. Even some mint.
I couldn't resist this wormwood. It's common name is Limelight and the variegated leaves are quite spectacular. If the sun ever decides to hang around, this should grow into a beautiful mound of green and yellow.
But this is my special find at the nursery yesterday. Datura inoxia. This variety is Ballerina Purple and the upright flowers will be white with purple edging. They're also nocturnally fragrant. One plant can perfume your entire garden.
I can't wait for this black bud to open. The blooms and the seed pods on this plant will provide me with a lot of pleasure--visually, I mean. I don't intend to try any alkaloid poisoning. It's not called Witches Weed for nothing.
I have the same butterfly bush! Three of them in fact! And I was gonna buy a datura until I found out about the leaves hallucinogenic properties and thought I had better wait until the kids are grow! Love the gorgeous trumpet flowers they produce.
ReplyDeleteAll parts of the datura plants have alkaloids. But it is said that sleeping under the blooms of a datura will give you dreams.
ReplyDeleteOf course, the green parts of potato and tomato plants contain poison too. All in the Solanaceae family.
Incidentally, the wormwood plant contains thujone--an active ingredient in absinthe. Just more garden pharma info.