March 30, 2008 (notes at bottom)

About 10 years ago, we were given a coffee can full of plant roots. Being told that they were wisteria, I planted them where wisteria would want to be growing. But surprise, they were periwinkle. The person giving them just didn't want to have to take them back. I moved the scrawny plants 3 times before I found a place that they were happy with. By that time, I had lost all but 2 plants. Now, I am glad that there were not more. They love the complete shade of a grove of Oak trees. There is briar in their area but they tend to cover it well. When I see their leaves starting to shrivel, I water and they perk right up.

They are quite invasive when growing well. When watered during the winter, they do not die back but continue to thrive. What once was contained to an area of about 2 feet is now 50 foot by 50 foot. They have been blooming in the spring for years but this is the very first  year that they have put on such a show of many, many blooms which last for weeks and weeks. I am delighted. The birds and butterflies show no interest in them at all. Even the rabbits leave them alone leading me to believe that they are poisonous.

The new camera allowed me to get some fine photo. Our friend Jo had offered some seeds from plants with other colors of blooms but I don't know if I want more of such an invasive plant.