“Miss Keenan, what’s that ‘stuff’ in that box?”
My violin students are always curious about the ever-changing landscape at the studio.
“I dug up some Anemone.”
“You mean you have some FISH in that box??”
*blank stare*
No, sweet, young, naive, non-gardening child. Bulbs…….I dig up BULBS!
In any case, the Anemone are still resting comfortably in the box. Anemone do not like to be dug up. In fact, it is almost impossible to relocate them successfully. I’ve tried four different times. Each time was a big, fat faitlure. Anemone fall under the ‘diva-bulb’ category and are completely intolerant of change. Anemone grow best from seed, which is why the tubers are still in a box outside my studio door…..just waiting for more fish questions from young students.
Anemone is an early Spring Wildflower. There are hundreds of varities of Anemone. The common name for Anemone is Windflower. Rumor has it that Windflower is the beautiful description Native Americans used. I think it’s actually more fitting than ‘Anemone’…..which isn’t even pretty to say.
Anemone is a perfect representation of a Spring flower. The shades of an Anemone are purely pastel delight. My favorite hues are the soft purples, which are less common than the pure white variety. The flower looks like a perfectly drawn little daisy on a bare little stem. The flower itself grows only a few inches above the ground. After the petals drop, the stem continues to grow, as does the seed pod. Anemone begins to look like a weed, and most unknowing non-gardeners simply plow down the lovely little flower.
Anemone grow best in neglected, dry, rocky terrain. One of my neighbors had hundreds of Anemone and native Rain Lilies growing wild in her yard. I’m quite sure her yard never saw a sprinkler, nor was it cared for at all. Each time I drove by the house, I felt a twinge of jealousy. Seriously, why can’t I have Anemone growing wild like that???
This season, after the seed pods dry, I will make attempt #5 at establishing some Anemone. I’m going to sow the seeds in the side wildflower garden that I established a few years back. Most of my Spiderwort, native sweet pea vine and other Dayflowers grow wild in that bed. I plan on also experimenting with growing some seeds in pots as well. I’ve read it takes two years for the tubers to develop. Geez….no wonder why gardeners are patient!!! If I have any luck, I will have some tubers available for sale, by donation.
If you ever stumble upon Anemone for sale in garden shops…..BUY IT!!!! Anemone will only bring long lasting charm and Grace to your Spring Garden.
Happy Gardening, my friends! Enjoy the first day of Spring!!!! (Yesterday)