ABC Wednesday -P stands for Peculiar!

ABC Wednesday Meme involves the weekly illustration of the alphabet;  A to Z.  Click on these words to view post by others.

It stands to reason that such a Phenomenon could be called Peculiar.  Yet, in this case, one might describe the Performance of this Particular Plant as Particularistic!

In any case, the Plant under Perlustration is our sweet Trillium recurvatum .  (Click these words to view information courtesy of Wikipedia.)

This Pluralistic-acting Plant has a fascinating history in my woodland backyard.

Beginning our "Partnership" in Spring 2007, this trillium was sporting 5 leaves and 5 flower Petals (as opposed to the customary three of each).    I apologize that I do not have a photograph!!!

(You will also notice slight variations in the plant leaves and flower petals from year-to-year.)

In April 2008, it sprouted with 4 leaves and bore 4 flower Petals. 

(left: beginning of month;  right: end of month)  Click on the photos to enlarge!

 In April 2009, the plant's Performance included the Perfunctory 3 leaves and 3 Petals.

(left:  end of April,  right:  first of May)

In April 2010, the plant's Pursuance brought forth 4 leaves and 4 flower Petals.

April 2011's Production included 4 leaves and 3 Petals.

Last year's (April 2012) aPPearance brought forward 3 leaves (and 3 petals - of which I didn't obtain a Photo). 

The following Photos, were taken recently, documenting this year's growth . . . 

Emergent - April 23, 2013                             April 29, 2013  

. . . looks like there's an addition to the "family!"  I'm assuming it's the Parent Plant that has the four leaves and four flower Petals
 (you can see the four divisions) and the "baby" has the exPected three of each.  :-)

Happy Spring!
Shady (not-yet-in-the-shade) Gardener

This post and all photos are the property of http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com

ABC Wednesday - O; and Wildflower Wednesday

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Also posting to Wildflower Wednesday

(Visit Gail at Clay and Limestone)

Open Mouth and Insert Foot!

I admit it!  I'm guilty of asking and praying for rain!  

We've had two years of very dry - drought conditions, and I just didn't want it to happen again!
Besides, there was just no moisture, last Fall, anywhere deep "down there!"

By all accounts, we've received between 6 to 7" of rain last week alone.
Yes, there was flooding.

But the grass has riz', early flowers are blooming (including the Dutchman's Breeches in the header photo),

and these grape hyacinths in the grass!

A Treat Ode
by James Whitcomb Riley

"Scurious-like," said the treetoad,
"I've twittered fer rain all day;
And I got up soon,
And hollered till noon ---
But the sun hit blazed away,
Till I jest clumb down in a crawfish-hole
Weary at heart, and sick at soul!

"Dozed away fer an hour,
And I tackled the thing agin;
And I sung, and sung,
Till I knowed my lung
Was jest about to give in;
and then, thinks I ef it don't rain now,
There're nothin' in singin' anyhow!

"Once in awhile some farmer
Would come a driven' past;
And he'd hear my cry,
And stop and sigh ---
Till I jest laid back, at last,
And I hollered rain till I thought my throat
Would bust wide open at ever' note!

"But I fetched her! --- O I fetched her! ---
'Cause a little while ago,
As I kindo' set
With one eye het,
And a-singing' soft and low,
A voice drapped down on my fevered brain
Sayin', 'Ef you'll jest hush I'll rain!' "

Hellebores, Daffodils and one Virginia Bluebell (at left)

 Fritillaria meleagris

Trout Lily (also called Dog-toothed Violet, etc.)

Virginia Bluebells

I have my work cut out for me this Spring!  Walkway, steps, water feature, reconfigure large flower bed,

add black dirt, add hardwood mulch, plantings, etc., etc.

Want to come help me???

:-)  SG  :-)

Post and photos property of http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com

ABC Wednesday - N - Norm

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I was 2 years and 9 months old when my brother arrived "on the scene."

There was already a sister in-between...

I'm imagining this poem might have reflected my reaction to his birth.  :-)

My Brother 

by Marci Ridlon

My brother's worth about two cents,

As far as I can see.

I simply cannot understand

Why they would want a "he."

He spends a good part of his day

Asleep inside the crib,

And when he eats, he has to wear

A stupid baby bib.

He cannot walk (tho' Norm began at 9 mos.) and cannot talk

And cannot throw a ball.

In fact, he can't do anything ---

He's just no fun at all.

It would have been more sensible,

As far as I can see,

Instead of getting one like him

to get one just like me.

:-)

Actually, my brother was full of spunk and kept everyone on their toes!  He was mechanically gifted (!), a very hard worker, enjoyed people and a good laugh (often providing the humor)!  

My brother died last Thursday; 3 1/2 months after having been diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer.   He will be sorely missed.

SG

ABC Wednesday -M for Minute Minute Minuet!

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 One, Two, Three;  One, Two, Three!

 One, two, three; Leaf me be!  Can't you see?  I'm raking!

 (April 6, 2013)

Watch it please; I may sneeze!  These old leaves - are dusty!

(April 4, 2013)                                  (April 9, 2013)

 Pile on tarp; Looking sharp! At least I'm -thinking so!

(April 4, 2013)

 Move on back.  Cannot slack!  Finish soon - 'fore it rains.

(April 6, 2013)                             (April 9, 2013)

Looky here; we're very near.  Lovely ones - are nodding!

 (April 9, 2013)

Daffodils - give me thrills.  Want to see?  Dividing!

 (April 9, 2013)

 Minute love -sweetly blue - hug me do, you sweethearts!

Tiny ones; cast your eye!  Hands and knees; I'm peering!

(April 9, 2013)

One, two, three.  Can't you see?  Spring is here.  I'm thrilling!

One, Two, Three; counting be.  My Minute, One-Minute, Sweet Minuet!

(April 6, 2013)                                                              (April 9, 2013)

 (April 9, 2013)

Dancing around the garden beds!

Enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.

Two days ago we had 1 1/4" of rain.

By this afternoon we had received another 2" of rain (!), and it continues!

Perhaps we'll recapture ground moisture lost from last year's very severe drought (and dry summer of 2011).

Temps are to be low tonight.  Mr. Shady took in the rain gauge ...

Hopefully I won't rue the time I've spent raking and removing the layer of mulch/warmth.

This post is exclusive property of http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com

Happy Spring, nevertheless!

SG

ABC Wednesday - L for Lotsa' Leaves!

I wonder if you think I'm confused?  

Or that You are confused?  

Or that I'm posting about last Fall?

Nope!  I'm not confused, you're not confused, and I'm not writing about last Fall's leaf raking.

Some of the leaves were removed from the flower beds today.    Three tarp-loads were dragged and left at the top of the ravine.

Yes, I try to make sure the flower beds have a layer of leaves, 
if possible, every Fall.  

Additional (after I finally finish my Spring raking) leaves drop from the trees and blow from elsewhere to give my Spring raking efforts an additional challenge!

 (yet to get to this bed!)

Lightly

Extending the rake, as an extra arm,

Pulling gently the layers of leaves.

Exposing damp soil and tiny new sprouts; 

And wonder! 
Anticipate the Spring days to come!

Lightheartedly 

 Sweet warm weather with beautiful sunlight,

Bright blue skies, nearly cloudless.

A song in the heart and a smile on the lips;

Discovery! 
Springtime surprises abound!

Delightedly

What is this, in this new place?

Its sweet appearance in a new abode.

Showing themselves as "seedlings" new;

Delightful!  
I thought they'd not, in my gardens, return.

I hope you're able to be enjoying sweet Spring weather and the
Loveliness that abounds!

This post and photos therein belong to http://yardisgreen.blogspot.com

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