Moonflowers

I have enjoyed moonflowers for many years.  I buy seeds from Amazon in April and start them in the house--first softening them in water and then putting them in a pot in the window.  When a few of them germinate, I rejoice and plant at least one vine outside when there is no danger of frost.  The last few years I have been able to pass on a second vine to a friend.

It takes months of watching the vine grow and grow but show no sign of buds.  At long last,  a few weeks ago, we had our first blossom.  Jim has been very faithful in remembering to water the plant--which means a trip downstairs with a full container of water.  He has also been good about looking out for a blossom because if you don't get a glimpse of it at night, it is too late in the morning.  The blossom will last one night and then wither and die.

The flowers are beautiful and have given us joy over the years.  They shine brightly white in the moonlight and are aptly named.  I hope we can enjoy them for another month until there is a fall frost.