This well-behaved beauty (Physostegia virginiana) is called Obedient plant because you can move the flowers on the stem and they will stay where they're put. Unfortunately, the plant itself isn't quite so obedient: if it likes a spot, it will spread out, make itself at home, and start cloning with enormous enthusiasm. It loves our moist, shady creek bank, among the ferns, but it is so pretty that we put up with its invasive habit. And it blooms in late summer, when almost everything else has packed up its blossoms and gone on vacation.
The creek bank is moist (a few seep springs are still running) but the creek has been dry since the end of July. We've had enough rain to keep the cows' pasture grass fairly green and healthy and the garden looking lush--but the water table is dropping fast. I'm not rooting for Gustav to come to Texas, but if he does, I wouldn't mind a good drenching here in the Hill Country.
Nightshade and datura. Datura is perhaps the loveliest nightshade, with an alluring scent, as well. Susan Tweit posted some gorgeous photos on her blog yesterday, with a fascinating description of the pollination process. Not to miss.
And for all you sock lovers, here is my latest project. That self-striping yarn is quite remarkable. I love to work with it (plus, it's machine-washable!).
Reading note: Everybody tells me that they would love to knit, but they don't have time. I look at people's lives and I can see opportunity and time for knitting all over the place. The time spent riding the bus each day? That's a pair of socks over a month. Waiting in line? Mittens. Watching TV? Buckets of wasted time that could be an exquisite lace shawl. ~Stephanie Pearl-McPhee,