Thimbleanna » A Post for Jody

A Post for Jody

August 19, 2010 on 10:10 pm | In Around the House | 33 Comments

About two years ago (or could it be three by now?), my sweet blog friend Jody posted that she had some heirloom hollyhock seeds to give out, if anyone would like some. I’ve never had hollyhocks, but I remember seeing a beautiful row of Hollyhocks at Piper’s Quilt Shop in Salt Lake years ago, so I jumped at the chance. Hollyhocks are biennials which means that they need two growing seasons to bloom.

Last year, the green parts came up, but it sure didn’t seem like they did much growing. Turns out, the bunnies were nibbling on them, so I thought that they might not return this year. They did come back and I watched that plant like a nervous hen, all spring and into the summer. Poor Jody, every now and then, I’d e-mail her wondering why they hadn’t bloomed yet. There were buds, but they weren’t doing anything. “Patience” she replied.

And finally. Bloom, bloom they did. Aren’t they gorgeous? Look at all that yummy pollen there, just waiting for some lucky bee. And I love the pretty green stars that peek out from behind the petals.

Thank you, thank you SO much Jody. I’ve enjoyed these beautiful flowers immensely and I think of you every time I see them. If you, dear reader, haven’t been to visit Jody, you are missing a true gem. Jody writes beautifully about life on the Prairie where there’s never a dull moment. Her latest post is a classic case — there’s even a very cool video that would be perfect for your nature-loving children.

And now, I fear, I owe ALL of you a BIG apology. In my last post, Karen correctly pointed out that I used the “C-word”. The shame! I make it a point to harangue anyone who uses the “C-word” in the summer (in fact poor Karen was my victim last year), so it’s especially grievous that I have sinned. What comes around, goes around. Please forget I ever mentioned it, and I do hope you’ll forgive me as I retreat to my little corner.

XOXO,
Anna

33 Comments

I always grew up with hollyhocks in the garden but don’t have any in my own garden anymore. Yours are gorgeous and your photos are beautiful. Thanks for a memory.

Comment by Annette — August 19, 2010 #
I planted some hollyhocks this year for the first time in a long time. They’re not happy. I think it’s just too hot here for them.

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — August 19, 2010 #
LOVE the photos! and I had to reread the whole post again searching for the “C” word – finally found it – at the bottom! Too funny! PLEASE!!! Don’t make me think of the “C” word yet!! ACKKK!!!

Comment by Michele in Huntsville — August 20, 2010 #
I love your hollyhocks; they are quintessentially “cottage garden”, aren’t they? I wasn’t sure what the C-word was all about until I reread the previous post and I’m now wondering if you meant Christmas???

Comment by Vreni — August 20, 2010 #
Hollyhocks are my favourites! These ones are gorgeous…….Don’t know if they’d grow down here, but have a packet of seeds which I plan to plant in September. Loved the video on Jody’s blog!!

And you are very naughty to be bringing up the “C” word this early in the year——-Oh-oh! I just realized we’re half way through August already. Can someone tell me how THAT happened? It seems to me it would be reasonable if it were March, or April even….but AUgust??

Comment by molly — August 20, 2010 #
Oh Anna! How COULD you use the c word so soon! That truly is shocking! ;o)

Love those hollyhocks though – especially the little green stars! Lucy xxx

Comment by lucy locket — August 20, 2010 #
It’s funny you should mention Hollyhocks as we were just looking at some the other day on the way to the library — Gabe called them Holly Twinkles , quite apt with the green star don’t you think — have a lovely weekend :-)

Comment by periwinkle — August 20, 2010 #
beautiful flowers! that is such a rich color.

Comment by Ginger — August 20, 2010 #
I love your Hollyhocks, patience paid off and they really are a stunning colour.

Comment by Janet — August 20, 2010 #
the vibrant color of your hollyhocks is glorious! & thanks for sharing the link to jodi’s blog.

Comment by linda — August 20, 2010 #
Wow, they are beautiful Anna. My grandma had hollyhocks growing along side her house. Now every time I see some I’m reminded of her.

Comment by Judy — August 20, 2010 #
Anna! Look at your beautiful blooms! I knew they’d come, and I am smiling inside and out to think that a little part of me now lives with you! Many more happy returns of the hollyhocks to you!

Love,
Jody

Comment by Jody — August 20, 2010 #
What a beautiful gift.

Comment by Dandelion Quilts — August 20, 2010 #
I finally had one hollyhock bloom this year! I love the old fashion singles and have been fortunate to be able to gather some seeds from friends. Hopefully next year I’ll have more. Thank you so much for telling us about Jody! What a wonderful blog and a great story teller. I’m going to be spending hours catching up on her posts.

Comment by Miss Jean — August 20, 2010 #
The hollyhocks are gorgeous and your pictures of them are stunning along with such a sweet story.
And I love getting a jump on Christmas…oops!

Comment by Susan — August 20, 2010 #
You’re only a little bit early with the ‘c’ word – these days our shops start showing ‘c’ things from the 1st of September!! I love the colour of the hollyhocks – they would make a stunning quilt block!!

Comment by frayedattheedge — August 20, 2010 #
My mom made hollyhock dolls for my sister and me. She turned the blossom upside down and stuck a bud on it with a straight pin for the head. We would dance the lovely ladies around in some water in a pie plate.

Comment by Stephanie — August 20, 2010 #
i had to go and read your post again to see what word you had been reprimanded for!
i’ve been using that word since JANUARY!!!
i love hollyhocks, but pink ones are my favs.
yours are just beautiful!!!!

Comment by brigita — August 20, 2010 #
i LOVE your hollyhocks. i think they are such a vintage flower, aren’t they? one time i told my friend that i wanted to plant some. she asked me why i wouldn’t want to plant some pretty flowers? LOLOLOL!!! i’m still laughing about that one about 10 years later. :)

Comment by amandajean — August 20, 2010 #
My mom used to have hollyhocks growing in the alley behind our house. They don’t always get the respect they deserve. I’m so impatient, but I should just plant some next year, knowing that I’ll have to wait a year for them to really blossom. Yours look like they were worth the wait.

Comment by Caroline — August 21, 2010 #
Oh I just LOVE hollyhocks – one of my favourite summer flowers. I have the pink ones and am trying to get some other colours. Once you have them, you will have them forever as they just keep coming back – so happy and cheerful in a garden.

Comment by Annie — August 21, 2010 #
I love Hollyhocks…I didn’t know the thing about 2 years to bloom. That must be why the last (and only) time I planted them I thought they just wouldn’t grow here. I will definitely try again now. Yours are gorgeous!!1

Comment by Tammy — August 21, 2010 #
Oh beautiful, I didn’t know what a hollyhock was either, but they are really gorgeous. Oh buggar, I didn’t know there were rules about the C word – I used them this week too. Oh damn, now I’ve added a B-word …. and a D-word!

Comment by Vanessa — August 21, 2010 #
He he :) I really didn’t care, I just knew you had a rule. Like Stephanie, my mom made hollyhock dolls for me, at my grandmother’s house. I agree, they are quintessential cottage garden!
Karen

Comment by Karen — August 21, 2010 #
PS GORGEOUS pictures, Anna. Thanks for sharing!

Comment by Karen — August 21, 2010 #
Hmm. I just got an error saying I am “posting comments too quickly. Slow down.” I guess that means I’m a big mouth, especially since I’m commenting again!

Comment by Karen — August 21, 2010 #
Gorgeous Hollyhocks!! Oh those centers are beautiful.

Comment by Kim D. — August 22, 2010 #
Did you know, I have known Jody for years, long before blogs. We have even chatted on the phone a few times. She is the best. Sadly my hollyhock seeds never took off. So enjoy yours for me xoxoxo Clarice

Comment by clarice — August 22, 2010 #
Oh my Hollyhocks are one of my all time favorites,I love them especially the old fashioned ones. Yours look great Anna, I think mine are finished for the season…

Comment by Shawn — August 22, 2010 #
How pretty!

Comment by Jen — August 23, 2010 #
Gorgeous! Our neighbors have them and they’re so tall they tower over the fence so we can enjoy them, too. HOT!

And, no C-Wording from you, Ms. Anna. And, if I can be so bold – no H-Word either.

:)

Comment by finnyknits — August 23, 2010 #
I have hollyhocks growing out of my ears and I adore them. They self seed everywhere and new shades of maroon and pink come up every year. I have some very similar to this one – I am very happy for you – aren’t they beautiful? I just had an urge to send you some seed but then I remembered it’s illegal to send plant materials over the water (well I’m pretty sure it is).

Comment by Emma — August 23, 2010 #
Isn’t Jody sweet, sweet, sweet? I love reading her posts.

Comment by Cassie — August 25, 2010 #