My littlest brother has been calling me a lot lately. He's a new parent, but he doesn't ask for advice on babies. He wants me to answer his gardening questions. This is rather nice. It makes me feel like I know something valuable, even though my answers are largely, "I dunno. It depends." He still asks and we have a unexpected little bond.
I can't remember if I recommended Passionflower but he gave me credit for it anyway. He's got it twirling up a frame on the side of his deck. It's a most fascinating flower in structure and in lore. There's a great article on the flower here at Fish Eaters. The crown of thorns is fairly easy to see in this photo.
My husband said I couldn't grow one myself so I'll have to enjoy my brother's. Same goes for his new baby which seriously y'all~ It's shocking how much new parents love their children, but it's also kind of shocking how much I love my nieces and nephews. My children will be abundantly blessed with cousins and I'm so grateful.
*Just a reminder that we're hosting a drawing - comments open until Thursday evening!
I know what you mean - I love my little niece with a depth of feeling I did not ever expect (and this despite the fact she lives on the other side of the world from me.) But I suspect this may just be a girl thing, you know? My brother loves his niece (my daughter) but I doubt the feelings are as "I really want to steal that child" as mine are!
The passionflower is certainly fascinating looking. I like its royal purple colour.
Posted by: sarah | March 29, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Ah sarah, you are probably right. Im not sure my brothers want to steal my children either, though Id gladly take their babies off their hands. :)
Posted by: Jennifer | March 29, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Oh those pictures are gorgeous! I am going to head over the Fish Eaters to learn more. :)
Posted by: Amy Caroline | March 29, 2011 at 02:39 PM
I grew one the first time we were stationed in TX. I should drive by that house to see what became of it. You do know a lot about gardening! I wish you'd write everything down just for me with pictures. I get super excited when you post about gardening. =)
Posted by: Elisa | March 30, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Stunning photo -- though Monica is screaming at me that it is UPSIDEDOWN!
Posted by: Chrissie | April 01, 2011 at 09:29 AM