My New Friend, Leroy

Today was a good day.  A really good day.  I made a new friend.  He lives up the street and he likes to garden.  I've admired his garden on many walks with my dog but have never had the pleasure of meeting him.  Until today.

Leroy was walking by as I was digging up a few plants.  We chatted, learned we each love to garden and then got down to the business of exchanging plants.

He asked if I'd ever heard of oxblood lily.  Oxblood lilies?!?  Oh my, yes!  These fall blooming bulbs have been on my wish list for a long time.  They are hard to find and when found, they are pricey. 

Well, he wanted to offer some to me in return for the plants I'd shared with him.  After gushing about how much I love oxbloods he returned with a bucket full!  I planted half in the front garden today and will get these remaining bulbs in the ground as soon as it dries out.  They are forecasting storms for the next 12 hours. 

After a bit of research I learned they are native to S. America and were brought to the Central Texas area by German settlers.  They have short-lived blooms in early fall and are xeriscape friendly.  They naturalize easily and after a few years, Leroy says I should be sharing plenty of bulbs with my friends.

Thank you, Leroy.  You made my day.  I literally skipped down the driveway! Skipped!