Sedum AUTUMN JOY
(Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude')
Old fashioned Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is now called (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' AUTUMN JOY.
It is just a name change, you will still recognize her. It is a drastic change to accept so many of us are reluctant, but it is still her and she is still here to share her endless “Joy” even as our season draws to a close.
How she keeps her promise of durability and blends it with a delicate girlish grace is for me a wonder of nature and alwasy inspiring. To know her is to love her- in every season. She is easy to love!
How she keeps her promise of durability and blends it with a delicate girlish grace is for me a wonder of nature and alwasy inspiring. To know her is to love her- in every season. She is easy to love!
She is well equipped for the change of seasons. I have learned from her and am preparing as well. She is not afraid of the cold gray season of winter in Missouri or the hard rough ground.
"It is what it is" she has told me many times. "Life is the time to find yourself and use your gifts".
She deals with difficulty such as drought in her own private way. When nourishment was abundant, she florished. Now as she thirsts, she is able to draw on that supply to quench her needs. This is how she will “Live Forever” in our hearts and our gardens!
In spring this sedum just shares in the pleasure of being with family and friends but as the casual days of summer arrives, ‘Autumn Joy’ alerts her onlookers of her pending abundance. With structural looking spirals that rotate outward in all directions, (which is attractive as well) she carefully creates a lovely base / foundation for upcoming display of visual delight.
As summer speeds up, 'Autumn Joy' fullfills her destiny. Becoming living artwork herself, she passes into life's next cycle with the flowers fully formed yet hidden from view. Bundled in tiny green cradles, the sleeping buds wait till Mother Nature’s voice beckons them to wake. Then like they were each kissed individually on their foreheads, they open on a silent cue. They stretch and yawn and press together till there is a solid mound of girly pink! Warmed by the sun, these rounded domes now become the source of enjoyment for viewers and garden residents, especially butterflies!
In spring this sedum just shares in the pleasure of being with family and friends but as the casual days of summer arrives, ‘Autumn Joy’ alerts her onlookers of her pending abundance. With structural looking spirals that rotate outward in all directions, (which is attractive as well) she carefully creates a lovely base / foundation for upcoming display of visual delight.
As summer speeds up, 'Autumn Joy' fullfills her destiny. Becoming living artwork herself, she passes into life's next cycle with the flowers fully formed yet hidden from view. Bundled in tiny green cradles, the sleeping buds wait till Mother Nature’s voice beckons them to wake. Then like they were each kissed individually on their foreheads, they open on a silent cue. They stretch and yawn and press together till there is a solid mound of girly pink! Warmed by the sun, these rounded domes now become the source of enjoyment for viewers and garden residents, especially butterflies!
“Live Forever” is the common name this group of sedums. They share this designation with another group of very tough plants known as Hens and Chicks ( Sempervivum.) These large groups of succulents are distant relatives yet share this deserving common name that speaks of eternity.
Frequently bestowed the title of ‘Old World Treasures" Live Forevers are known to be survivors. They are a durable group of plants that have demonstrated endurance in the garden and so are linked with everlasting hope.
The legacy of these plants is likely due more to easy propagation than actual age of the parent plant. They are associated with mythology and good luck throughout history as well as thought to have some medicinal value.
Frequently bestowed the title of ‘Old World Treasures" Live Forevers are known to be survivors. They are a durable group of plants that have demonstrated endurance in the garden and so are linked with everlasting hope.
The legacy of these plants is likely due more to easy propagation than actual age of the parent plant. They are associated with mythology and good luck throughout history as well as thought to have some medicinal value.
Their true value is in their ability to be grown by people who fail to water plants regularly and where moisture levels drop significantly at times. They are well suited for those who have had little exposure to gardening but are just beginning to have an interest and desire to experience some success, this was especially true for my dear baby sister Joanne.
She is now is focused on meeting her maker but she loved these easy plants and was so eager to show me she had learned their names and they were still alive. We shared tears not long ago when we promised to be forever in each other's hearts. Today I planted a new little garden by my front door filled with live forevers, just for her!
Thank you to the many who have shared words of support, prayers and good intentions as my sister looks toward the light, seeking rest and lasting peace. I pray that she feels the loving presence of all of you who hold her in your hearts.
I have had the priveledge of having her as a sister and friend as well as a professional associate She has shared my affection for my industry and friends. As she completes her life journey, she spoke of her faith and how much she is ready to walk with her maker.
She wishes to be thought of when you see a cardinal bird. I invite you to send me your favorite cardinal bird images. I will post them as a way to hold her in our hearts so she will "Live Forever" . In my "Autumn" she has brought an abundance of "Joy"
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment