No, it isn't an STD. It's a type of Milkweed flower that inhabits Mexico. I love the intricate, magenta center. Originally called Gonolobus cyclophyllus, it is now known as Matelea cyclophyllus. Like many asclepiads it is pollinated by flies and has the fragrance of carrion. I must need two of them, as this one has never developed a seed pod. Do you have one I could borrow?
Today we planted this Giant Pumpkin seed that I received from gardener Jim, who got it from a woman from Tennessee. It came from a 790 lb pumpkin. He suggested we only let one pumpkin develop and to be sure we have a pallet under it so we can move it with a fork lift.
Yesterday I took my first silversmithing class and I'm hooked! This oak leaf is my very first piece, and I'm not sure yet what it will become. I'll be taking a connections class next, so perhaps will turn it into a pendant after I learn more. I am very interested in translating nature into jewelry.
I'll be posting more as I learn!
Our searing 106 degree plus temps for the last couple of weeks are also breaking new records. Here is a Lady Bird Centaury with a few blossoms left beside my nearly dry spring.
Mostly what I have to show now is dead and dying flowers. As a botanist, it is not uncommon for people to send me envelopes of crunchy vegetable matter. What was it? I call this Forensic Botany. Here we have some spider webs on something from the Primrose family taken over by other insects. Notice how well they blend in--bodies like the dried floral tube and legs like the webs. Hard to tell one from another.
The remains of this Hummingbird Sage look like old party streamers. I like the way the spent red blossoms twist.
Our Spring happens in April so many of our wildflowers have already set seed. This is Illinois Bundleflower. Don't ask me what it's doing in Texas, but it is considered native. I like the way the seeds are attached, sort of like and explosion of brown fireworks. In a bundle. In Illinois.
About the only thing blooming now are morning glories in the drip irrigated garden. This image is almost red white and blue! Today we staffed the Healthy Harvest booth at the local 4th of July Jubilee, where Farmer Rick got to play some old time music with other music pickin' farmer types. Oh, Susanna-- maybe this heat is getting to me. For fun I brought my knitting along and nearly finished a winter scarf. That made sitting outside in 106 degrees as pleasant as sitting outside in 106 degrees can be.
Here's some fun yarn I caught on sale this week, just enough to knit a psychedelic shawl! Be sure to check out the colorful world of photography at Color Carnival.
Creeeeeeak....
Hey, there appears to be a big hole compromising the safety of our coop!
Bruno, the Brabanter rooster cautiously checks it out.
Nothing stops Zena the Appenzeller Spitzhauben. They seem to be a feisty breed. Outta my vay big boy, zee day's a vasting!
After most of the girls are already out scratching, King Avelino the Gold Laced Polish rooster 
