Amorphophallus titanum
What is nearly six-feet tall, smells like rotting flesh and, yet, is drawing in the crowds like a horticultural version of Justin Bieber? Ok, maybe that’s a bit over the top… but still! An Amorphophallus titanum is came into bloom last Saturday at The Ohio State University’s greenhouse in Columbus, Ohio and is really charming the crowds. This rare plant from the Indonesian rain forest is a sight,and smell to remember. The bloom’s fragrance is its key to attracting the right pollinators. I grow a smaller version called Amorphophallus konjac. Not into using the Latin name? My friends and family affectionately call the plants Mr. Stinky or Harry Butler after the Dayton-TV personality who gave me my first plant. You can see a time-lapse video of the voodoo lily in Columbus opening HERE.
Here's my shopping cart and the damage I did. Errr, I mean the treasures I found.
Knollwood’s 2nd Ladies’ Night Out
Knollwood Garden Center Beavercreek, OH) held their second Ladies’ Night Out tonight. The first was back in December and judging by all the cars in the parking lot it must have been a success because I had to park out in the ‘back 40’! Bruning’s Wine Cellar and Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering were on site to please the crowd and Knollwood staff was at the beck and call. It was a pleasurable way to get a jump on spring.
Sales Alerts
The record setting rains in southern Ohio are causing many businesses to retool their spring sales. Grandma’s Gardens, south of Centerville, is extending their $11.99 sale on flats of impatiens and begonias through Sunday, May 1. Yippee! Check with your local garden center as their publicized sales may also have been extended.
Tragic Nest Cam News
If you have checked out some of the nest cam links I have listed on the right, you may have visited the bald eagle nest cam located at the Norfolk (VA) Botanical Garden. Sadly, Viner Barb passed along word that a jet landing at Norfolk International Airport struck and killed the female eagle early this morning. To the relief of many on-line viewers, the male returned to the nest with a fish early this evening. Only time will tell what happens next.
Happy 226th Birthday, John James Audubon (1785-1851)
Please visit HERE to read about the amazing life of John Jame Audubon. I can’t do him justice in a short post. He overcame adversity (illegitimate son of a French sea captain) and exemplifies the spirit of young America. Mr. Audubon, you made the world a better place!
Vickster's Vine 
As Harry was a member of the Bellbrook Garden Club he was good at sharing plants which many of us have in our own gardens. Dont’ think anyone was a recipient of the fowl smeller. He is still living in northern Ohio enjoys reading but memory not good. Stop by the Celebration Garden behind the Bellbrook Historical Museum and enjoy many of the plantings from the Butlers yard. It is quite lovely now. Also Toshiko Smith is represented in this garden and she and Harry shared a common interest in rock garden plantings.
Thanks for sharing a bit about Harry. I often think of him when the bird-foot violet blooms. I have visited the Celebration Garden. It is a wonderful tribute to the efforts of the Bellbrook Garden Club and its members. Keep up the great work!