Neon purple flowers for late summer through fall. I named this plant for horticulturist Jim Martin and of course for my favorite birds.
Author Archive | Jenks Farmer
Stone Cold
I sat down at the bar at Hunter Gather alone. It’s warm and dark, the kind of place strangers talk. A few other farmers, craftsmen, tradesmen types were always there at 4 p.m. One time, I was telling some guy a story. I’d explained how my farm is an hour out of town and that… Read More
A Mist of Tiny Leaves and All the Greens of Spring
Call it acid green or April-fresh or lime jello fake. This time of year spring greens catch my eye and soul to remind me that life force is too strong to contain. Rye grass or dandelion leaves, those dreaded yellow-green catkins pushing out pollen, that powerful color fades as spring turns into summer. Heat makes… Read More
Southern Peat Bogs, Old Men and A New Farm Ethic
On a hot October Saturday, family had gathered to bury my youngest cousin. It was on the funeral home front porch that first cousin twice removed, Bill, started a conversation. Sitting in a rocking chair, a tiny plate of deviled eggs in his football player lap, I guessed he was about 75. He was almost… Read More
Holding Our Breath…..A Tree of Winter Flowers
Fat buds of Prunus mume wait for the warmer days of winter. Starting around the turn of the year, I eagerly wait for both buds and warmth. Every cold gray day, the bulging buds stand out, puffed up like they’re holding their breath along with me. We’re all waiting. Then one lovely day the sun… Read More
Shadow & Light in The Garden
She made a point of coming by the garden twice a year to see what the old man loved. She smiles at our secret jargon, Ben and I used only Latin names. No questions, no suspicion just eyes that said, I’m happy ‘cause yall are happy.
Overly Enthusiastic Children and Vines
Pay attention, indulge, wait and be delighted. This month my buddy’s pre-teen boy is into magic. He’s been through Egyptian mythology, dinosaurs and bigfoot. His dad’s endless patience amazes me. The magic show commences with an elaborate introduction, “On the death-day of the great Houdini, I honor the risk he took to share magic… Read More
Crinum x augustum
Spectacular heads of flowers as big as a volley ball! Killer maroon coloring. Dramatic, sword like leaves to five feet tall. In zone 8, needs a warm spot — thrives in coastal, warm gardens.
The Crinum of Downton Abbey
Victorian Britain was the epicenter of fashion, trends, politics and horticulture. Natural history and plants were serious study, serious hobbies for the rich. Sailors, explorers and traders brought plants from all over the world to tempt rich collectors. An abundant supply of coal meant hot-houses and conservatories allowed for tropical plant gardening. Those collectors who… Read More
It’ll Be Fine By Fall
Gardening, painting, sculpting. Those things have something in common– they all start with imagination of something you’ll bring to fruition. A vision. Sometimes these really hot days make me have visions. Stiffling hot. Swooningly hot. I chop some crinum down to the ground; it’ll be fine by fall, I think to myself. I weed, pulling… Read More