Native Plants via Friends

This showy clump of sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum) caught my eye in the yard the other day, blooming much earlier than any others that I have. As I admired it, I thought about Beth. She gave me the plants and I always think of her when I see them.  Plants from friends are some of the most treasured ones that I have.

I wrote several years ago about how I share native plants with others, but I’m here to tell you now that being on the receiving end is mighty special. Watching these plants grow and delighting in their blooms becomes a personal celebration, often shared with the giver through a phone call or an emailed picture.

 

The lilies from Mary and Debbie both bloomed this past summer for the first time – Lilium canadense from Debbie and Lilium superbum from Mary – I enjoyed comparing the differences between the two species. 

Lilium canadense

Lilium superbum

The pink turk’s cap hibiscus (Malvaviscus drummondii 'Pam's Pink') from Sheri keeps my hummingbirds entertained from late summer until frost. The pink blooms remind me of the giver, whose favorite color is pink.

Malvaviscus drummondii 'Pam's Pink'

Lobelia siphilitica

The great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is from Marcia. It was covered in spectacular bright blue blooms for weeks and I am thrilled to have it. The rosette of green leaves is already in place for this year. 

Not far from the lobelia will be the out-of-this-world gorgeous spider lilies (Hymenocallis caroliniana) that Murrel gave me. They will be extra special this year, I know.

  

Hymenocallis caroliniana

Crataegus triflora

So many great plants from friends – the hawthorn (Crataegus triflora) from Ron, the red-twig dogwood (Cornus) that Carol rooted, the sedge (Carex plantaginea) rescued by Lynda, the goldenrods (Solidago) from Lynn – if I’ve not listed yours, rest assured that I will remember you when I see it in the garden. I always do.

So as your garden springs to life in the next few weeks, think about how you might share your extras. Pot up some to share, and know that wherever they go, someone is enjoying them.

By the way, if you have LOTS to share, feel free to pot some up and donate your native plant extras to the annual sale for the Georgia Native Plant Society on April 20, 2013.