Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Gwendolyn Vole's Fine China




Gwendolyn Vole has invited all her meadow friends for a fancy tea party. Of course it's an occasion for trotting out one's best china! Whenever tthe conversation lags, she delicately lifts her hand-painted teacup to her snout, so that it may be discreetly admired.

The flower is a clear primrose yellow with plum inkblot eye staining both petals and sepals. Orange anthers add a nice touch of contrast. Creped texture, pleated petal edges. Petals and sepals gently recurve for a rounded effect. Budcount 9-12.

Lucille Williamson's classic Bumble Bee has long been a favorite of mine. Here it is transformed into a bigger flower with a more prominent inkblot eye, while retaining its innate hardiness and charm. Early bloom comes from Wild's Wake Island.

A plant in bloom does look like a collection of brightly painted teacups. Nice balance of flower to plant. Fast increase. Nocturnal. Multiple fans.


Wake Island x Bumble Bee
Flower 3 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 1"
Height 16"
Dormant
Early (first flowers 6/22)
Nocturnal

Introduced at $45







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