Guest Post by Fernymoss: Budding Mysteries

Fernymoss was out with the camera today and captured quite a few very good shots of some plants currently of interest out in the garden. I decided to post these two shots of this plant, who shall remain a 'mystery' for another day or so ... just to see if a sharp-eyed reader can identify this one.

A few clues: those familiar with the woodland area of the garden may recognize this from earlier in the year ... it shares space with the hollies and numerous ferns and other shade plants. Though there are several species of this plant, this one has the intriguing cultivar name of 'Desdemona,' and one of my sources also says it is often confused with another, 'Othello." No matter which Shakespearean option you choose, it's a great plant, with gorgeous foliage ... perfect for part or full shade gardens that stay relatively moist.

I think the first shot seems kind of sinister ... like some Cthulu type creature either ingesting or getting ready to disgorge some captive flower ....

The second shot shows another cluster of buds that for some reason remind me of a pitcher plant in form, though it's clearly not one of those. You can see one of the open flowers as well, and I think this one also shows off some of the foliage pretty well. In the next post I'll have more of the open flowers and more information (such as the name!) as well.

Photos courtesy of Fernymoss, taken 5 August, 2007.