I finally have in captivity a Queen Anne’s lace plant! I have been trying for years to get one to grow in my flower garden. I think it is one of the loveliest plants that grows in the South. It is just like looking at an intricate lace! It is used now in many wedding bouquets and arrangements and is just a beautiful accompaniment to larger flowers.
Weed or flower? I have thought about this many times: that what I see as a beautiful flower, others see as a weed and vice versa. The same could be said of lantana. In South America it is a weed, and here, we pay dearly for it for our gardens.
I know you have all seen the cute photo of a dandelion being blown into the wind. The caption reads, “A weed or 1,000 wishes?” It is all in the perspective, isn’t it? I have always found eccentric people very intriguing. Many times, it’s a person that others might shun because they are a little different that I find fascinating. I can remember vividly a lady that I met at the quilt market many years ago. She dressed in the most outlandish outfits. People loved seeing her, as she always had a story about her wardrobe. It was nothing for her to have a spray of flowers on her jackets with ribbons hanging out of every pocket. Some people would just laugh and walk away, but I just loved her commentary on life.
She was not old, but old enough to have great experiences. She said that a person should never take themselves seriously. She had outlandish hats with birds on top and dangling earrings down to her shoulders, all of which she made herself. She spent hours making these masterpiece garments, and they were art creations.
I will never forget her excitement when she announced the engagement of her son to a lovely young lady. I asked her, “What are you going to wear to the wedding?” and she quickly replied, “Something just like I have on in hot pink.” And you know me; I couldn’t let that go, so I inquired if perhaps a more traditional mother-of-the-groom outfit might work better. She said the most profound statement and laughed: “Just what is a traditional mother of the groom? My son has never seen me dressed any other way and wouldn’t know me!” Well, you know she was right!
Weeds or flowers? Both are charming and both treasured by all!
