Hollyhocks ~ March 5, 2016

It's been what seems like ages ago now, but in my very first home I had a variety of Hollyhocks. When we had just moved in, it was the way of people out in that country area to give gifts of flowers and other plants from their own gardens, to help a new neighbor get started on their own flowerbeds. I received at least half a dozen or more different types of flowerbed plants and flowers, but the Hollyhocks were among my favorite.

I remember I was given the colors of deep maroon, peach, yellow and magenta. Prior to that time, I had never seen Hollyhocks, so I was quite amazed at the height and show that each stalk presented. Over the years, the different plants seemed to cross pollinate so that eventually the flowers on each stalk varied with a blend of another color from a different flower. My yellows had a bit of peach in them, my peach had a bit of magenta in them and my magenta had some of the deep maroon in them. They were actually quite lovely, and reseeded themselves so abundantly!

Our closest neighbors had shown the children how to make dolls, or dancing ladies, from the flowers.

I actually learned a lot from many of those old country folks! Remembering times like those are some of my sweetest memories. So when I recently remembered just how much I loved those Hollyhocks, I decided that I need to get a beautiful variety of them started here in my current home.

I hope I'll be able to find some Hollyhocks in my local nurseries that are already grown, flowering and ready to plant this spring. But if not, I will gladly buy some packets of seeds and get started on my own winsome display of these old fashioned beauties once again! 

Do you have a story about your favorite flowers? I'd love for you to share it with me!

~ ♥ ~