Sad...

Last night, my father passed away. He had fought hard for the past three months, but it wasn't to be. My father had just turned 80, so he had a long life. I feel blessed to have had him as my father and am grateful that I was able to spend that 80th birthday with him.

How this intersects here is that my father enjoyed growing plants. For a number of years, he propagated African Violets and when my parents owned their home, had a vegetable garden every year. I remember his enthusiasm for roses which waned, I suspect, with receiving virused plants that we later learned were problematic during that era. I could talk a lot about my dad, but what I am actually here to write about is something that happened today.

I was lying in bed thinking about my garden for comfort and, in particular, my daylilies (surprise). I had the thought that I would very much like to name a daylily for my dad. My seedlings (it's early yet) haven't exactly been superlative so far (as some of you might know from various forums) this year. It bothered me a bit that I realized I didn't even know my dad's favorite color.

As I pondered this, I thought that it must be a daylily that stands out...not because it is unusual or bizarre (which my dad wasn't)...but one that is sturdy, strong and works its heart out, never giving up. I realized this could be difficult and might take a few years to find out. It would give me comfort to have one to keep an eye on, though. I thought maybe it shouldn't be a tall one (because my dad wasn't) but just average height. It should be one that makes you glad to see it.

Okay, now those are generalizations, but you get my drift. Upon arising this morning, I took the dogs out front and looked around at what was blooming (not seedlings, those are in back)...I felt a bit nervous because I soooo wanted to find something, now that I have this thought. I'm pretty patient with my seedlings, but today is different.

I came inside and took a peek out the window...

I must say, it did catch my eye...and I was very excited to go down and have a look...(you know, the mud...)

Cutting to the chase...


I'm liking it!

A pretty good looking scape....


Now, this is the ffo (first flower open)...ever...on this seedling...it has lots of challenges to go through...but, I gotta tell you....on such a sad day, I feel a bit of hope...and, I guess, maybe a tad encouraged...

Here it is again...(that's self-seeded parsley behind it...in the seedling bed...I am, apparently, running a swallowtail butterfly farm...)...


Well, who knows...but, for today...it's enough...