This month it is not the actual plant that is irritating, it is a slug. A very specific slug and if I could put out an APB on it I would.
Let me explain:
Earlier this year I visited Thenford where I met a Sparmannia africana for the first time and fell deeply in love.
What an amazing flower, to see it is to love it. I had to have one, had to had to had to have one. So I bought some seed. I sowed the seed. The seed did nothing so after a few weeks I moved the seed tray from the propagator into the greenhouse and promptly forgot about it. Out of sight, out of mind.
So far out of mind that when I saw a Sparmannia on sale at the West Woodhay Gardeners' Fair I bought it quickly and without hestitation. I took a cutting two from it (still in progress) and potted it on the plant is thriving. Every day when I look at it I smile. This plant is not irritating in any way shape or form.and then....
I noticed that a Sparmannia seed had indeed germinated. There it was, a little spindly and in need of potting on, but a good strong shoot nonetheless. I potted it on and also secured it to a small stick so that it would grow straight and strong. How happy was I, how smug, how proud of my neglectful success.24 hours later, almost to the minute, I go out into the greenhouse to say hello to my new little treasure....
This is the sight that greeted me. It is a mere wisp, it is an ex-sparmannia, it is (almost) no more.I have brought the pot into the house and it is now sitting on the kitchen windowsill. I am looking at it longingly and talking to it soothingly. My hope level is sadly low.
So if you see a slug with half a sparmannia seedling sticking out of its mouth, squish it for me.
If you want to join in, post a link to your blog post in the comments box - what is your most irritating plant this month?
