Balloon Flower...

Kirstin caught a baby snake this morning, but we weren't sure what it was. I thought it might be a copperhead, but after a little research and some input from my brother and my brother-in-law, I now know that it is a rat snake and a good little critter to have around. Even if it was a copperhead, I wouldn't want to kill it because they have their niche to fill, too. But I am happy it is a rat snake.





The soil underneath the Incense Cedars is insanely dry, so I have a collection of pots on the east side. They receive the morning sun, obviously, and then the afternoon shade, so that makes a good spot for a number of plants. Among the things I grow there are a Hydrangea ('Endless Summer'), Coral Bells (Heuchera), and Balloon Flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus). And just I love their color combination.



I have two Balloon Flowers: one on either side of the Hydrangea. This is a plant I didn't grow when I lived in California, but I sure have enjoyed it here in North Carolina. The "balloons" are so interesting! And how about that blueish color?!




"Up the road a piece" is a family owned farm that sells pick-your-own strawberries in the spring and then watermelon and, I think, sweet potatoes in the summer. The lady also has a large greenhouse where she raises some flowers to sell. Most of them are petunias and other annuals, but a couple of years ago, I bought a Balloon Flower plant from her.



I realized that there were 2 plants in the pot, so I separated them out. Since they go dormant every winter, I have also planted Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' in the containers so something is going on until the Balloon Flowers come up.


Have a beautiful day!