Journal to a Muse

Blooming Hibiscus, and a possible new addiction

Yesterday when I backed out of the driveway I had a VERY pleasant surprise.
The hibiscus is blooming!
Yahoo!!

Even though I'm not thrilled with summer's heat, or how much it costs to keep the AC going, or how fast the dandelions sprout (in spite of all sorts of not-so-organic preparations),I love when the hibiscus starts blooming.

This plant really gives its all. From seemingly dead root nubbins (I cut it to the GROUND in the fall) it begins getting little green "toes" in late winter. At some point, it decides it is warm enough to put out leaf shoots. If you sat at the base of the plant on a warm April or May day, I think you could see it grow. It growsas much as 4 inches a day!

With very little special attention (I give it a cup of "rose food" when I remember to fertilize my potted hybrid roses--Mr. Lincoln, Peace and some others which have become anonymous due to squirrels or grackles taking the tags...),

it produces salad-plate sized blossoms from seemingly hollow green pockets that look to me like Chinese Lanterns.

The only way a hibiscus could be improved was if it had a fragrance.

Of course a heavy, musky fragrance would be awful in the summer heat, and a light rosy or lemony one, while charming, might seem too "cute" for these big blossoms.









They remind me of Rousseau, though.
So wild, and lush, and uninhibited. There could EASILY be a tiger nearby, or a sleeping gypsy.
















And I think I may be developing a new addition.

Log Cabin Squares a la Mason Dixon Knitting. I've only just begun...
Garter stitch IS fast, speedy and slick. (Especially in comparison to the Arrowhead lace... Jeez. MUCH faster!!) And it can be asymetrical without looking wonky.

This is Paton's Canadiana on size 8's.













And I got some Simply Soft from Herschner's that is T-T-T- TURQUOISE. You can see from their skein photo that it IS B.R.I.T.E. (I despise unconventional spelling). Iit is not a "natural" fiber but I think it is going to be indestructible and mesmerizing for a cheerful baby blanket!

The official color of the skeins I bought is blue mint.


I could LIVE in this color.