Saturday, August 22, 2009

Roadside Beauty

By Skeeter

While driving through Georgia on my way to Tennessee recently, I could not help but notice all the roadside beauty. Just look at this beautiful Ivy type plant so pretty and lush green. I wonder how long that truck has been by that fence? It looks as though this vine is starting to strangle the truck. Hum....
You are laughing with me and not at me because being a Southern Gal, I know exactly what this invasive stinker is called, Kudzu. The Vine that killed the South! Also known as the "Foot a Night" and "Mile a Minute" vines!Kudzu is Native to Southern Japan and Southeastern China. It was brought to the US as a Forage crop and Ornamental plant around 1876.The Soil Conservation Service encouraged farmers to plant Kudzu from 1935 to early 1950's to reduce Soil Erosion.The Southeastern United States are the perfect climate for it to thrive. With less freezing temps, the vine continues to grow and is now out of control and taking over everything in its path!
The Department of Agriculture listed it as a Pest Weed in 1953. It is growing all over the Southeastern US and a sure sight with interstate travels. I found this information along with more on the Wikipedia Website where more information awaits your interested minds.
As I travel along the interstate, my imagination spots creatures within the Kudzu to pass the time of travel. I see Bears, Dinosaurs and all kinds of interesting things which my mind allows. In this picture, I see an elephants head and trunk, do you? I do find it beautiful at times but wonder how long it will be before it completely takes over the South! I am happy this ROADSIDE BEAUTY is Not, In the Garden....

Does your imagination spot any creatures in the kudzu?

Friday, August 21, 2009

Garden Friends Visiting in Maine in the Garden

My mother, Jean, (that's her in the wheelchair) recently had a special visitor to her garden in coastal southern Maine; it was a special treat for both. Barbara (she is standing), a friend of mine and garden coach client who happens to live in Tennessee, traveled all the way to Maine for her vacation this summer and look who she looked up! My mother was delighted to meet someone from Tennessee and I must say isn't the world a small and mighty fine place? It is so nice to be able to go on vacation and meet a 'local' to sit down and talk and relax and reminisce. I sure wish we could visit in Maine this summer too but perhaps next year. Barbara and my mother had a great time visiting....

in the garden....

Mom, the two plants are: sedum and anise hyssop (blue flowered). Your garden is looking most full and beautiful!

Happy Birthday to you today!!

And to Heather!