Tall, Majestic Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are perennial plants that sometimes grow so tall, one has to look upward to see where they end.

They come in many colors but the deep cranberry is extra special.

They love bright sun and are very easy to grow.

They are known in the Japanese culture.

Did you know they date all the way back to the Crusades?

According to information found on the Internet, hollyhocks have been used to make a salve that was "good for the Crusaders' horses which were injured on their hind legs, or 'hocks.' "

These lovely plants would look great in any English garden or, for that matter, any countryside garden. 

The ones shown in this post are in my daughter's garden and is one of dozens of flowers she grows.

The flowers are also in the Mallow family, according to information written on them.  

Other Mallow family flowers are cotton, hibiscus, okra, and marsh mallow.

Hollyhocks look a little wild but are quite unique and beautiful.

It's a joy to sit near them and watch hummingbirds take sugary sips  from a feeder.

Hip, hip hurray for hollyhocks!

HAVE YOU EVER GROWN HOLLYHOCKS?

We Three Kings....

At a resort estate sale awhile back,  a handsome set of nativity figurines came home with me.

It was noted that the resort owner used to buy several sets of these, made in the Philippines, and gave them away as gifts at Christmas time.

This year, the figures, Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the three kings,  grace the front hall table.

Usually, there is a scented candle burning in front of them.

 Right now, the air is filled with the fragrance of spiced apple.

While I have accumulated several manger scenes throughout the years, this one is one of my favorites.

If interested, you can read more about it here.

DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE MANGER SCENE?