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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Hollyhocks

Today I'm dedicating my post solely to my bloom which I show here in solidarity with Lori from Western New York State. They've experienced a very severe winter this year (as have many countries in the Northern Hemisphere) and Lori is posting blooms every day until the snow melts and spring arrives. I decided to join her!
 Hollyhock bloom (an exotic plant)  in my South African garden


Hollyhocks, known as Alcia, is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvacea.  They are native to Asia and Europe. Hollyhocks are annual, biennial, or perennial plants usually taking an erect, un-branched form. Growing in my Marquard garden, I have found these plants to be most rewarding and very forgiving of harsh, dry summers and windy conditions. I just love the way the sun shines through the delicate blooms in the photo above and hope this image helps to hurry on the warmer weather in the States. 

Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments on my bird posts. Grant and I  have been in Mwanza for our three-month check-up with the dentist so I haven't had an opportunity to visit many blogs. I'll get back to Blog-hopping again from today.

I hope you're all having a wonderful week.

7 comments:

  1. A great idea, a gorgeous flower and a terrific capture!! Doesn't get any better than that, Jo!!

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  2. Hollyhocks aren't considered exotic here, but some of your African flowers certainly would be. However, any kind of bloom would be welcome here. We're excited just to see the snow melt. But it will be back again, we know.
    You're certainly right about the hollyhock being forgiving of harsh, dry summers and windy conditions. Ours grow on the south side of our back yard, where summer is hot, dry and very, very windy.
    This is a lovely photo, Jo, with the sun shining through. It is a bright spot of cheer.
    Luv, K

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  3. Beautiful flower!

    The hollyhocks here in the states looks very different, but both beautiful! :)

    I have a friend in S. Africa. :)

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  4. I do love flowers of all kinds and the Hollyhock is a lovely one. We even have a lodge on Vancouver Island named after this flower.

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  5. Correction, the lodge is on Cortes Island, a smaller island between Vancouver Island and the mainland. I've never been there myself but is is a bit like a new age sort of retreat.

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  6. I don't know how people live with all that snow...It gets cold here in Texas but Never like that...
    Happy First Day of Spring Jo!
    hughugs

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  7. Jo, your Hollyhocks are beautiful. I am hoping the snow is over..This has been an awful winter.. Have a happy weekend!

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo