Hollyhocks are one of my favorite things, although I am partial to flowers in general. It's funny to consider how some things become favorites. In the case of the hollyhocks, I think it was osmosis.
My dad always associated hollyhocks with his grandmother. Apparently, they were a constant staple in her flower beds. By the time I knew my great grandmother, she was still doing some gardening, but not much. Since her gardening stamina was limited, she preferred to invest her energy in tomatoes rather than flowers. Despite the fact I never never saw her grow hollyhocks, the association my dad had with hollyhocks and his grandma somehow became my association too. I always feel her love when I see them.
When I lived in Kansas, hollyhocks were a staple in my flower beds too. You can't imagine my delight when I discovered they would grow in southern Nevada. Not only could I continue to grow the flower that has such happy associations for me, but considering the fact that so many plants just aren't hardy enough for the desert, it was a double blessing. (While trying to learn to garden in the desert, I think my kill rate was about 50%.) Not only do they tolerate the dry, hot weather, they self-seed. The two hollyhocks in the picture are volunteers. You know, it just doesn't get much better than that.
Hollyhocks are such a pretty flower and remind me of the days of my grandmother too. I've seen them growing wild in the country and sometimes in the ditches along a farmer's driveway. I don't see them planted as an ornamental much here. Yours are gorgeous. I like both the light and the deep pink colors. It's wonderful that they have associations for you with your dad and great-grandmother. How big are the blooms?
ReplyDeleteYour hollyhocks are lovely. I think they are one of my favorites also. They just keep on growing, no matter what. I love them mixed in a country garden. I planted some this year, but I think it was too late, they never bloomed.
ReplyDeleteI planted some this summer they didn't get very big and no flowers, I am hoping they flower the second year and start to spread. I intend to plant these in other areas of the yard too.
ReplyDeleteKaren
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
I'd never seen hollyhocks until I married. My mother-in-law loves flowers and had some in her garden. They are beautiful flowers. I'd never have guessed that they would grow in such a hot, dry climate. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL!!! Nothing like flowers to brighten up your day. Better yet, having fond memories to assotiate them with.
ReplyDeleteElzaan
Beautiful flowers, I love both colours. I have never grown hollyhocks, they probably won't grow here if they grow well in the desert. What a wonderful association to have with both your dad and great grandmother.
ReplyDeleteYes they are lovely and I have heard of them but never seen them before. Very cheery plants and a great assett to any garden.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Helen
Hi thanks for your commment, Gorgeous flowers, i used to live in the desert here and found quite a few beautiful flowers, i had a whole fence overflowing with bouganvillia, which was spectacular. I will try and find it and let you know.
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers! My grandma use to grow hollyhocks too, though she was better known for her Irises. Feeling the connection to your dad and grandma by growing these pretty flowers, I can see why they are a Favorite. Thanks for sharing. Happy FTF! :o)
ReplyDeleteHooray for flowers! I love a good flower garden and love it even better when your plant of choice can grow there.
ReplyDeleteHollyhocks are considered to be an old fashioned flower and they are my favourite kind!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I could grow these here because they are just beautiful and would make such a great backdrop for a cottage garden.
Gotta love Freebee flowers, love the colours.
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers and lovely memories :-)
ReplyDeleteOh! I love Hollyhock too! Yours are so gorgeous! I especially love those first ones with the variegated petals. Absolutely beautiful! Mine are always completely riddled through with snail bites. They snails love my yard -- the they think it is an all-you-can-eat buffet.
ReplyDeleteI love the "old fashioned" flowers as well. A flower garden full of them is amazing, it will never be my garden though as that only grows weeds!
ReplyDeleteEven if I didn't like the flower I love the name , just love to say "hollyhocks' such a charming old fashioned sounding name. Oh and your Dakota Star is beautiful you HAVE to make it!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yeah... the kill rate is pretty high here. I like the way they look. Maybe I will have to add more color to the back yard. Do they like the full sun!?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - and I love how you associate them with your loved ones. They reminded me of the place I used to work at because that was the only place in town I saw that had hollyhocks growing....
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