I love my readers! Recently, in a comment on my recent post, "Great Small Tree for Your Yard", Vikki said she was thinking replacing a "coveted mimosa" with a Chinese fringetree. I replied that coveting mimosa was like coveting Camilla Parker-Bowles.
Well, today faithful Grumpian, Jean, called my attention to a fascinating story involving the Duchess of York. Apparently, Camilla was preparing to attend a funeral in East Sussex when nature called. So she popped into the Hare and Hounds pub in Framfield and asked to use the toilet. Extremely excited proprietors Razai and Chris Azerkane were flushed with joy and pride. In fact, the two are still in such a swirl, they're auctioning off the toilet seat!
"Rarely has a toilet seat borne the weight of a nation more gracefully," proclaimed British foreign minster, John Loo. "This is a testimony not only to the seat, but to all the Bowles as well."
According to reports, the incident royally impressed the Queen. Her Higness now believes that in the course of time, the Duchess will be worthy to descend to the throne.
You Ask, I Answer
OK, I know some of you feel cheated when you come to this site and all you find is stuff about Camilla, So here's a real gardening question about a mystery plant.
Hi Steve!
This is the mysterious plant I was given as a gift this week. I am attaching two pictures of it--one from a distance and one close up. If you tell me it is just a green plant that needs a little water and a little sun, I swear to you that I will cry. Lianne
Lianne, I have conclusively identified the plant in the photo. It is named "houseplant."
Sorry, I was just being mean. Actually, what you have is a Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum 'Silver Queen'). It is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, because it tolerates low indoor light and low humidity. The soil should be well-drained and moist, but never soggy. The one thing it doesn't like is temps below 50 degrees, which will cause brown spots on the leaves. If the plant ever gets too big, you can clip out the top of the central stalk and new growth will ensue.
Grumpy
