I saw a Chelone at Lowes yesterday and meant to go back and pick it up before I left. Drat! I forgot. I think I have the perfect spot for it. Hi to Chelone if shes reading.

Can any of us truly nail down a definition of "serendipity"?! I don't read the Idylls much anymore, not because I don't want to, but because I can't possibly "keep up" and sometimes it's too painful to be reminded of the things I "used to do"... things that have had to go "on hold" to maintain the equilibrium here. Occasionally I pop in for a quick read... so...

How could I tell you how great I felt reading about your "discovery" of Chelone? It is a truly wonderful plant; so EASY, long-blooming and so interesting for so long in a season that can be sort of anemic if you haven't found good "late-bloomers". I assume you have the pink one; I've been trying to find the NATIVE white one for years now... to no avail. "Alba" sucks, anemic, prone to powdery mildew... ICK! But the true native is tall, strong and gorgeoous. I'm so happy you have been pleased with its addition to your gaHden.

You've really made my day!

Mum is OK, mentally she is really beginning to fail. She will be 80 tomorrow. I worry about her more than I ever used to. I keep hoping she will die in the night and I won't have to make the wrenching decision to put her in a nursing home, but I'm taking steps to CMA, too. Right now she is outdoors, wandering the paths under heavy feline escort... well fed, well groomed, content.

The cost is heavy, my friends. Right now I'm not so certain is has been "worth it", but when she is dead I hope I will look back and be comforted by the knowledge that I fulfilled my responsibility reasonably well. I'll let you know...

So sorry to hear she is failing. I think you will be able to face the mirror or any other 'judge' with pride. You are often in my thoughts.

And yes, the Chelone is pink and it is about 2 ft. high and just as full and lush as you could imagine! It really demands no care except watering and has become the star of the area it is in.

It was supposed to be in front of a Cimifuga, with Bergenia (sp?) and Lirope with a tiered fountain as the center of interest. The Cimifuga bit the dust, the fountain blew the plug, the Lirope is in some sort of suspended freeze-dried state, so the Chelone is the STAR, baby, with the Bergenia as a bit player.

I am on an evening tour next week and I know it will be the most talked-about thing in the yard!

Hang in there, girl, and take each day as it comes.

Chelone, I hope you know you are missed on the Idylls! You are mentioned often and are in our thoughts. I agree that no matter what happens from here on out you can hold your head up and know you've gone over and above the call of duty. I've said it many times and I'll say it again. I have so much respect for the choices you've made. I couldn't walk in your shoes.

Deanne

PS My two first year chelone plants are blooming for me and I absolutely love them! I think of you every time I see them in the garden. Someday I hope we can visit.