Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Volunteer

I transplanted a bush several weeks ago. It died. But up from the compost in the hole sprung a volunteer--a squash maybe, or a pumpkin--that's so pretty and healthy I'm letting it take over the property.

I might as well. I haven't been lucky growing things, and I'm so pleased to have something grow that I don't care what it does or where it goes, as long as it stays alive. I water it every day. It seems to like that. It can have the whole yard if it wants it.

The bees love love love it, which I consider a bonus. We need more things for bees to love.

22 comments:

Steve Scauzillo said...

Im sensing that expecting the unexpected is a big part of gardening.

Anonymous said...

Cucurbitaceae cucurbita need 2 things: Water. Compost.
You're on the right track

dive said...

Not only gorgeous to look at but probably yummy to eat, too. Lucky you, Petrea.

Latino Heritage said...

Great shot. Bees, bees, bees. Hurrah.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh Steve, that made me laugh! I hope you're right because it's certainly fun.

Well, JB, that narrows it down.

No fruit on it yet, Dive, but I'm looking forward to it. Even if it never produces anything but these flowers it's fine with me.

Roberta, I agree! Anything for the bees.

Bellis said...

Did John spit a pumpkin seed into that patch by any chance? Pumpkin, zucchini, squash - it'll be exciting to see what it is. Keep watering and feeding and it'll take over your garden. I see that flies also like it.

I had a good laugh when I read "Leave your comment."

Petrea Burchard said...

After all this time, Bellis, I just last night figured out how to put in that "leave your comment" information.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

it's purty

Karen said...

Definitely looks like a squash. If it is, you can batter the blossoms lightly and fry them up, adding a little salt while they drain.

Deee-licious. Pick them in the morning when they've just opened.

You probably don't need to water every day. More like twice a week is good.

Susan Campisi said...

Thank you, Petrea. You are smart and good looking too.

I like your school of gardening. And love love love that the bees love it.

Petrea Burchard said...

PA, I could practically wear it.

Karen, thanks for the tip. I knew I could eat the blossoms but didn't know if that would affect the fruit or not. Late on hot days, the leaves get droopy when I don't water it. Should I worry about that?

I know, Susan. More bee stuff, huh? My friend Janet gave me two sage plants that will have red flowers. I planted them and they're doing fine! I'm excited. Once they take hold I'm going to give them lavender for neighbors. I'm all excited because I have a few successes now.

Desiree said...

Gorgeous--

Anonymous said...

Will you give that bee my address? I'm entirely bee friendly up here. But this year, they're just not visiting. Scary.

Ms M said...

A sunny photo, especially with the bee. (I happened to post a "blossom with a bee" picture today, too).
It'll be interesting to see what it becomes!

Katie said...

If these are zucchini and you end up with a bumper crop I've got a good recipe for zucchini spice cake. Whatever they are, the bees are sure a happy a bonus!

Petrea Burchard said...

I wouldn't mind a recipe for zucchini spice cake even if these are tomatoes.

Karen said...

It's normal for them to wilt a little in the heat. As long as it bounces back once it cools off, you should be good.

The bees pollinate the female flowers so they set fruit. You should be able to pick a few of them and still get plenty of squashes or pumpkins but you might wait until a few fruit develop first.

I had a volunteer that looked like that and it turned out to be a mini-pumpkin that took over my whole vegetable patch. They have very big, prickly leaves that will leave a rash on your arms so if it is a pumpkin you should wear gloves when you're picking them.

Anonymous said...

Well, JB, that narrows it down

To pumpkin, squash, zucchini, cucumber.

Is that NOTHING?!

http://mainzdailyphoto.com/?s=tempura
You can always make zucchini fritters and have then with cold- or hot smoked salmon with a wasabi-creme fraiche dressing

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks for the tip about gloves, Karen. I'll wear them.

JB, this is the rather intimidating list I found. And you're right. I can always, always do what that. It's my usual, of course.

Margaret said...

What a great shot from a honey of a gal.

Petrea Burchard said...

You are a good friend, Margaret.

Dina said...

LOL. I love the way you explain this!