Sedum and weep

Sedum was already growing on the rock retaining walls when we moved to Eastridge in 1958. My parents didn't have the time, money, or inclination for gardening, although they had a knack for  danndelions and clover. We did have a few sorry, thorny rose bushes baking against the south side of the house, some violets, a pussywillow, and forsythia in early spring. Lilacs, iris, and peonies for decorating graves, and lilies of the valley struggling on the north side were all planted by the original owner of the house  Still, we were a wasteland compared to the gardening neighbors on either side.

One neighbor sneered at our deficiency The other shared their bounty and contagious enthusiasm for flowering plants.

Cuddling

But sedum clung to the rock, flowering and attracting butterflies beside the driveway where we played jacks and hopscotch. At some point I figured out that a straggly bit could be broken off and stuck between the rocks on down the wall, and it would probably grow. Cool! What a hardy, cooperative plant! It preferred crowded spaces and neglect. I've broken off bits from that rock wall in Lincoln and planted it in new cities and states.

Huddled beneath that pineapple planat!

That crazy pineapple plant

  

My mom, Fritzi, with her non-green thumb would have turned 89 this week. How I would love to sit in the shade visitng with her, watching my sons play on her driveway by the old rock wall.

Stonecrop behind the truck

© 2013-2017 Nancy L. Ruder