All because of a weed

22 Jul

It’s been so many years since my phlox has bloomed that I didn’t even remember that I had phlox. And it’s all because of a weed.

Back in May, I was going to write a post about a thistle that grows up through one of my germanders, as predictable as taxes every year. I was also going to show funny photos of weeds obscuring some of my other plants, including a fireweed that was growing in the phlox. I never got around to writing that post, but I left the weeds—you know, just in case I needed current photos.

I had so thoroughly written off phlox after surrendering the battle against powdery mildew, deer chomping it off, or it flopping over, that I hardly noticed that the weed and phlox had flourished. And as May became June and June became July, I had a 4ft fireweed growing in front of my 5ft phlox. And the phlox had started to develop flower buds. No powdery mildew, either. Still, I ignored it. No reason to get my hopes up. I knew I’d never see it bloom.

One morning, as I triaged the casualties from a particularly brutal deer decimation—fat Pat Austen rose buds: chomped. Stunning dark sedum that I hadn’t photographed yet: chomped. Prairie mallow just blooming: chomped—then I remembered the phlox and braced myself for disappointment. But wait. Only the top of the fireweed had been chomped. Not a leaf of the phlox had been nibbled. Hmm.

So my phlox is blooming and smells wonderful. I’d forgotten how much I love it. And a swallowtail butterfly even floated through my garden and landed on the phlox. I haven’t seen a butterfly for years, maybe since the last time the phlox bloomed. All because of a weed. You can bet I won’t pull it next year either.


5 Responses to “All because of a weed”

  1. Jen July 22, 2009 at 7:13 AM #

    I am so in love with this color. Wow. And a survivor also. Beautiful shots, go Phlox GO!

    Bad deer, I am being dive bombed by the sea gulls every day, but at least I can wash off my plants.

    Jen

  2. Lornet July 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM #

    It was worth the wait for your phlox. What a nice surprise. I love the white eye. I planted a new purple one. Hey, show me a picture of a fireweed! I’m pretty sure I have some, I have every other kind, but I’d like to see what a fire weed looks like!

    • sorrygardener July 23, 2009 at 9:51 PM #

      Aw, come on. All of those daylilies and you want a photo of a fireweed? Geez.

  3. Lornet July 24, 2009 at 4:38 PM #

    Oh sure you take beautiful shots of beautiful things but what can you do with the uglies? Just teasing you know. Your lillies are wonderful.I enjoy all of your pics and you!