Morning Glory

Elisabeth — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:01:00 GMT

Morning glories (Convolvulus) are indispensable. There is nothing better for covering trellises, arches or tuteurs and, as long as you have some kind of tall, relatively sturdy support, you can even grow them in pots. They are also perfect for people who don't want to commit to a perennial vine like clematis.

Most years I start my morning glories from fresh seed that I buy each spring. This past spring I used seed that I had collected from the previous year's plants. The results were interesting. Though last summer's beds held a mix of varieties, the only one that has sprouted reliably from the collected seed is the heirloom variety 'Grandpa Ott's'. I am not sure what happened to all the others, but 'Grandpa Ott's' has come through valiantly, producing more dark purple blooms every day.

It's possible that some of the others are simply late bloomers. The spring was dry and all the plants got off to a slow start. I check every day in the hopes of finding a few blue or pink blossoms. I do enjoy mixed colors, so next spring, I'll probably buy fresh seed. For now, though, I'll be content watching 'Grandpa' work his way up to the second storey of my house.

Morning Glories

Elisabeth — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:23:00 GMT

All summer long and into the fall, morning glories twined their way up the trellising on the north end of my back porch. Springing from a couple of pocket beds sandwiched between the driveway and the house, the vines climbed eight feet, reaching the top of the porch railing and spilling over the other side.

The morning glories were a mix of heirloom and new varieties, including a sky-blue and white one whose petals appeared tie-dyed. Some sported rich, dark purple trumpets, others shone forth in shades of shell pink and rose. All bloomed steadily into the late fall; their blossoms becoming a bit smaller but no less colorful.

Finally the frost put an end to all that and now there is nothing left of my morning glories except the blackened vines and seedpods still clinging to the trellis. In a few weeks I will cut them down.

Today though, I went out and clipped off a big handful of seedpods so that I could save the seeds for the spring. I'll probably do the same tomorrow. It's not that I have to save seeds. Unlike my forbearers I can simply go to the garden center for a fresh supply or order a packet or two online. But as a thrifty gardener, collecting some of my morning glory seeds seems right to me and the act of doing it ties me to the continuity that is inherent in the process of growing things. In the spring I'll feel tremendously self-sufficient as I sow my seeds in the pocket beds.

Growing Wise : morning glories

Morning Glory

Morning Glories