2019 could be "the year." Meaning it looks like we'll be on bloom watch for the huge Agave ovatifolia which has anchored the front landscaping for nearly a decade, and presented an opportunity for decorating during the holiday season.
At 6' diameter this silvery agave has grown well past the advertised standard 4' range to reach its known maximum width. The middle has noticeably thickened in the last year or so. This spring will mark nine years in the garden and I'd estimate it was five years old when planted in 2010. Agaves can live longer than 15 years but we've had a lot of rain recently which has forced blooms in many agaves around town.
Shortly after beginning my blog in 2011 I had the bright idea to drape blue lights on the agave. Two strands of 60 LED lights covered its three foot diameter and it made a nice photo.
I've decorated it with blue lights every year since. For several years I used blue and white snowflake lights for fun while thinking I would never see real snow in December. The joke turned real in our bizarre early December 2017 snowfall.
The snowflake lights quit working shortly after the big snow so I switched to fairy lights. This year I needed three 10m strands of 100 fairy lights which works out to over 90ft of lights! Could it be the last year for this agave and that many lights?
The original arrived with a rare pup tucked (the one shown above) down among the roots. We carefully removed and nurtured it the last eight years or so. A few years ago we moved it to full sun so it will be ready just in case. Obviously smaller at this point, it is larger than the original when we planted it and I'm sure this baby will grow into the beauty its parent has been.
No point in being blue about it. As disappointing as it will be, Agave bloom watch for 2019 (or hopefully later) is the realistic view.
Happy New Year!
Bittersweet to watch the progress, but it will leave a hole in your familiar landscape.
ReplyDeleteAt least the difference won't be as great as if we had to start from scratch. I'm not ready for something completely different there but might consider it.
DeleteIt's already 2019 where you are, so a very happy 2019 to you!
That's very exciting! Both Agaves are so healthy and beautiful, and your blue lights are fun and festive. :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIt's why I plan to replace the agave with pretty much the same look. I like it there so very much.
DeleteHappy New Year!
I love the look of your holiday-ready Agave! Two of my variegated Agave desmettiana (sitting feet away from one another in the same bed) suddenly produced bloom spikes about 2 months ago. The bloom progression seems to be relatively slow, giving plenty of time both to mourn and plan what's next.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, Shirley!
I like that agave blooms do allow for plenty of time to get used to the idea of losing the plant.
DeleteI can't even begin to fathom a 6ft wide Agave ovatifolia! I look forward to following along with the (hopefully very long) bloom development. Happy New Year Shirley!
ReplyDeleteI'll certainly keep everyone posted. Agaves in this part of Texas easily exceed expectations. At least you can have room for more in your garden.
DeleteI enjoyed checking out your blog from a pretty part of the world Julianne. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThat is one amazing agave both in light of the day and your gorgeous blue lights...Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe lights look great. Can't wait to see it's blooms...whenever they arrive.
ReplyDelete