South Texas is rough on flowering plants. My spring pilgrimage to the nursery results in a payload of beautiful robust flowering plants for our front yard. I take pictures, water, apply Miracle Grow and then watch as they wither and die in the Texas sun. By the middle of July, it is a wasteland of parched grass and
dust. I am particularly attached to the hybiscus plant this year. The large lush flowers, dark green leaves are a joy to see every morning. The plant thrived until a business trip took me away for 10 days. My college kids were home and admitted to watering it once. Upon my return I was horrified to see curled brown leaves and dead bulbs on the ground. Before unloading luggage, I grabbed the hose and began resuscitation efforts. For a week I pulled off the dead and dying and hoped for the best.
"As is the gardener so is the garden" echoed in my head. With attention, food and stability - the buds began appearing. The leaves are sprouting and one day soon I will see the lush orange-red beauties again. Close call - but it is only early July. The flowers make me smile. The buds bring me hope. I admit - I am attached and invested in its success. Its me and the hybiscus this summer - and both are going to thrive. For more information on this beautiful plant, click
here. Happy watering.
