Every year around this time, I can't help but take pictures of and
write about the out-of-control Silver Lace vine in my garden.
Here is this year's edition.
***
Since I'm chained to my desk and computer for most of the day doing my paying job,
write about the out-of-control Silver Lace vine in my garden.
Here is this year's edition.
***
Since I'm chained to my desk and computer for most of the day doing my paying job,
I make a very concerted effort to get out of my chair every hour and walk or jog
to the end of the driveway and back. It's 475 steps and takes me about three minutes.
This is part Fitbit obsession and part knowing that sitting all day is bad for me.
My hourly treks take me through the garden, past the Russian sage
and the Silver Lace vine – the only two plants which seem to thrive here.
I pruned the vine last fall, hacking off just about everything but the main trunk.
It came back with a vengeance. In the few minutes it took me to return from
the end of the driveway, this piece grew another foot.
You think I'm kidding.
If you stand under it too long, it will wrap itself around you and not let go.
If the vine itself doesn't get you, the tarantula hawk wasps will.
It attracts all manner of bugs...
...and the occasional butterfly.
The vine will die off with the first frost and no longer pose
a threat to those who dare to enter here.
In the meantime, we'll just stand back and watch it grow.
a threat to those who dare to enter here.
what ever it is in the danger zone, it makes a fantastic photo.love that last one. so beautiful
ReplyDeleteSpectacular
ReplyDeleteEmily in NC
It's a lot prettier than KUDZU!
ReplyDeleteM in NC
(a family member bought a house with 'that vine' climbing the trees in the far corner of the backyard. I still don't know if he has a clue...)
Wow! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, even the wasps.
ReplyDeleteYour place has grown into a kind of Noe's arch. Last pixels with one of your faithful guardian
ReplyDeleteOhh, I still wake up at night hearing " it's time!" Every hour my lead legs tried to keep up with Carson...decided to walk.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful garden and I also love the last photo.
Do you water it? My aunt in ABQ had one on her fence so I tried planting it in Nevada, but it couldn't make it here. Irrigation, and all.
ReplyDeleteNo! If it doesn't rain for a long time, it still grows but there aren't as many flowers. This year, it's rained just enough for all blossoms, all the time.
DeleteWhat an inviting gate. Nature loves the 7MSN Ranch.
ReplyDeleteSoooooo glad you did not do a close up of those freaky creepy wasps! Must ditto the others.... Last shot is wonderful and so peaceful :-) is that a new 7MSN sign?
ReplyDeleteOld sign, newish paint.
DeleteThose wasps sound terrifying... I do, however, like the vine. I planted hops around the base of our main power pole when we moved here; this year it was about 15 feet high, wrapped thickly around the pole, & looked very pretty.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I sit looking at the beautiful Silver Lace vine and the beautiful butterfl...WTF!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely gate and pathway you have there.
ReplyDeleteYour place has grown into a kind of Noe's arch. Last pixels with one of your faithful guardian
ReplyDeleteI had to Google...I see two names and also that it's in the same family as knotweed! I think this is what you have, yes?
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallopia_baldschuanica I already have enough out-of-control brutes, but it is pretty.
That gate sure is inviting.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the 7MSN being green but it looks great!
ReplyDeleteWhen did you paint it?