I’ve struggled for awhile how I should start to make the connections between the flowerbulbs in the beds of Southern gardeners to the rest of the world (for there are many), and I have settled on the thought that I just need to start writing. Last week I was in London for the Chelsea flower show. Ann Swan, the botanical artist drawing a series of heirloom flowerbulbs, was displaying and our commissioned works were there. A note to Ann: every time I see them I fall in love with them all over—your work is amazing. There were some highlights to the show, but as far as the art is concerned, we were excited to have the president of the Royal Horticulture Society by one of the prints of the Sternbergia lutea. I was also thrilled, after touring the gardens of Lambeth Palace (home of the Archbishop of Canterbury) to visit the garden history museum next door and see their placard for the Sternbergia in their gardens--they have it first recorded in 1596. The Sternbergia grows for many gardeners in the United States, and does well for warm climate gardeners in areas that is can dry out properly in the summer—our blackland soils generally do a good job of that. It is one of the few bulbs we have left on our website for sale.

Now, speaking of websites, we wanted to have our new one up for the Texas Co-op power article that just came out, but alas, we missed a deadline! However, it will be first class and we can’t wait to spread the word with the new release. Brad is working furiously to get it ready. He is also working furiously in the field. This rain is great but it is slowing us down! Kudos and thanks to Brad for your hard work in the midst of your new home and wedding plans…also thanks to Katy for the meal you sent our way—we were completely dished from the long day and the food has never been more welcome!

The rain slowed me down yesterday. I knew that I had a talk today with the Mississippi Master Gardeners and that I had to bring some bulbs with me. That meant I had to dig them before I left for Mobile where I stayed last night. Only problem was the rain and lightning. I put on my galoshes and went to the old field to dig the needed crinum bulbs. Thomasine—she owns this field and has a home at the other end of the pasture—came out on her front porch and started yelling something at me motioning for me to come inside. I couldn’t hear her over the rain and lightning, so I just pointed to my watch and yelled “NO TIME….HAVE TO GO.” I know she didn’t understand as she went inside, but I think this is the only time she’s ever been mad at me! With my bulbs in the back of the truck, I began my soaking wet 9 hour drive to Mobile. Everytime I pulled over at a rest stop, all the mother’s gathered their children as I looked pretty ragged and out of place with my rubber boots and dirty appearance.

I made it in time though and gave a talk to the wonderful Master Gardener group in Gautier (Go-shay), MS. The area was devastated by Katrina, but the citizens and volunteers have restored most of the town to what it once was. Some guy shook my hand when I walked in to give the talk…he was older with gray hair nicely combed and was wearing a suit. Didn’t look like the typical master gardener. I was setting up my presentation when the mayor of Gautier was introduced. The nice man in the suit stood up and walked to the podium. There I heard from the gentleman, the mayor, how his city has risen to the occasion and how very proud he was of the people and accomplishments. It was a nice talk.

My host is off work now and I am running off to catch up with him…his name is Chad. He was an old Texas A&M Corps of Cadets “buddy” of mine who was transferred to this area. One aspect I love of my travels is my ability to always see old friends. He and his wife have bought an old home near Dauphin Street (the original home of Mardi Gras) here in Mobile, Alabama and have done a wonderful job of restoring it. I think we’re going to have steaks tonight!

By the way, every time I am bit by a fire ant, I think of the port of introduction into the US…Mobile, AL.