Even though I've been watching the updates Lance posts to Facebook and his Instagram feed I was still blown away by it's unique beauty.
Turns out I'm not alone in that feeling...
The people just keep coming. The city installed the traffic cones, signs and tape. Hopefully it's helping. I was only there maybe 30 minutes and it felt oppressive, I don't now how Lance and Julie are holding up.
Meanwhile, out at Rare Plant Research, the "not Agave utahensis" are still signed as Agave utahensis.
Funny thing is I've always thought these look like Agave montana, the same species of agave blooming in Lance's hellstrip. I emailed photos to my agave-knowledgeable friend Gerhard and asked what he thought they were... his response, Agave montana.
If these were different times (meaning NOT during a global pandemic with life and death circumstances) I'd consider buying up a bunch of these plants and set up a stand across the street from Lance selling them for $30 a piece...
Weather Diary, May 18: Hi 62, Low 53/ Precip .26"
All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Monte is indeed impressive. Alas, a novel business opportunity lost due to this miserable virus. Maybe an idea to shelve away for later.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to think about, but growing agaves in Portland does require more than just plopping it in the ground, so I'd probably be setting a few people up for sadness.
DeleteYou are an entrepreneur for sure.
ReplyDeleteHa, not sure that's a good thing...
DeleteMonte has the best flower spike I've ever seen on an agave. I had to laugh at the crowd waiting for a look - here someone would probably call authorities to complain about social distancing. Lance and his spouse should set up a "store" to sell bulbils when the time comes!
ReplyDeleteOh there have been plenty of concerns and complaints. The traffic controls you see in the photo are because bus drivers were complaining they couldn't drive down the street. Sadly this agave isn't one that produces bulbils, seeds will be all there is.
DeleteThat crowd! I wouldn't like it better times, but now?!? Poor Lance.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteThe thing that amazes me by your post and photos is people noticing plants.
ReplyDeletePlants--most people here pay zero attention to them, unless they want to carve their names in them, or spray paint them.
A beautiful Agave.
I think the current world situation has definitely helped (people are seeking out entertainment) plus Monte has been a social media star, so folks want to go see "that strange plant that's blooming"...
DeleteYes, Monte is impressive! I can see why folks want to take a closer look--really lovely. But crowds during a pandemic...not fun.
ReplyDeleteThankfully many were masked and observing distancing, of course there were others that were not...
DeleteThe massive agave near NE Alameda has put up a spike, no bloom yet...
ReplyDeleteHmmm...well now you've got me curious. The one off Alameda near NE 37th Ave bloomed last summer and it's spike is still standing, although the plant is almost shriveled up. Is that the one you're referring to? Or maybe the the one on Sacramento by the Rose City Golf Course? OR! Maybe there's another I don't know about. Please tell!
DeleteYour are not only creative, but a savvy business woman. Maybe Lance will jump at that idea. This bloom is truly mind blowing.
ReplyDeleteHa, thanks Chavliness. I don't know about the savvy part...
DeleteOh, but you SHOULD!! That's a great idea, and I bet you'd make a killing. I want to go back and visit Monte again, but I'd kind of feel bad. I bet they are sick and tired of all the crowds trampling around to get up close and personal.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty cool, but I think the crowds would make me crazy– few are wearing masks or practicing distancing. I reckon there isn't much to be done until it through blooming.
ReplyDeleteLove your entrepreneurial enthusiasm about selling agave! Maybe Lance could take the idea and make up for his losses?
There's a lesson here: plant the strange & unusual plants in your BACK yard. I was happy to get a glimpse without adding to the chaos...thanks for that.
ReplyDeleterickii