Purple, my wise old grandmother’s favorite color
The only picture I have of my wise old grandmother is the one above. You might deduce that my wise old grandmother’s favorite color was purple. You would be right. She never visited San Diego but I’m pretty sure that if she had, she would have loved it here, especially in May.
May is purple month in San Diego. The purple jacaranda trees are blooming….
the purple lilies of the Nile are blooming….
and the purple sea lavender are blooming.
I fell in love with sea lavender (Limonium sp.). just a couple of days after arriving in San Diego in April 1993.
Sea lavender is a unique plant because it can thrive in the poorest of soils, even salty, sandy ones. Thus it grows wild along the sandstone bluffs, along the freeways, and at the beaches:
It needs no extra watering other than what Mother and Father Nature provide when they cry over the injustices being done to the Earth by mankind [that's an editorial comment].
Perhaps the uniquest (a word for my friend, Robin Coyle, to dissect) attribute of the sea lavender is the flower stalk, called a panicle or corymb. The flowers are very tiny but come bunched together by the thousands on the panicle. They are very dry and papery, making for excellent cut flowers because they will last a couple of months after cutting, or for dried flowers since they are 90% already dried.
I do take requests for blogging subjects, and this post on sea lavenders was inspired by Kimberly Konkol, whose blog is titled “Everlasting love of flowers.”
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Posted on August 15, 2012, in Flora, Mother & Father Nature, My wise old grandmother, Photos and tagged agapanthus pictures, jacaranda pictures, lily of the nile pictures, purple flower pictures, sea lavender pictures. Bookmark the permalink. 35 Comments.
Thank you for this nice and purple-y post.
Brightens up my day despite the pouring rain.
I love purple. Or any shades of purple at that. I don’t know why, but as far as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of this color. Must be because of my birthstone. San Diego is such a lovely place, would love to take my family to visit there one day.
When you get here, let me know. I have been known to play Docent for a Day.
Russel, I certainly will.
Can see why you fell in love with the sea lavender – glorious. That is can survive on neglect is all the more reason to love it. Don’t see it here which is a great shame.
I just want to see you in the purple rain….
lol……I do remember the days of yore when we had mimeograph copies. Sometimes I was a mess of purple at the end of the day.
I grew up in Harare (formerly Salisbury) a city famous for it’s Jacaranda lined boulevards even though they are not indeginous to the region. They evoke strong memories and nostalgia in me. thank you for sharing.
Stunning photos Russel! Purple is my favorite color as well.
Hey, I’m a purple fanatic as well. Yay!
Purple has always been my favorite color too. Beautiful photos!
I love your wise old grandmother!
I’m sure your dear wise old Grandma would have enjoyed this post… I certainly do…
I love purple too, and those are beautiful purple photos.
Purple was my mom’s favorite color as well. Thanks for posting!
What a way to honor your grandmother. Your beautiful purple post was so cheering. Loved the photos and the grandma tribute!
Don’t forget lilacs and when I am old, I shall wear purple.
I love too… and you did amazing post, Thank you, love, nia
I love the Jacaranda tree. We have a city close to us that is known for them – they line almost every street.
Purple is a very spiritual and wise colour – lovely post!
Would SO love to live in a field of sea lavendar!
How wonderful! We had purple and white Limonium growing in our garden when we lived on tea plantations. They are also called Statice I think.
Yes they are.
Purple is perfect… especially surrounded by green! You did good!
“.”
Cat
wow–amazing photos and nice tribute to your grandma
Well, San Diego should become the twin city for Adelaide, in South Australia. They have all the very same purple splendour as you, in San Diego. But, Sea Lavender is known as “Statice”.
You could start a campaign, and then get an all-expenses paid trip to Australia to unveil the plaque of friendship! Bring Zoey, I’ll cat sit while you’re being a celebrity.
As someone else’s “wise old grandmother” I also love purple and can connect……….that sea lavender is just gorgeous!
The sea lavender is so beautiful, not a plant that I am familiar with, but I am impressed to learn that it is a hardy plant.
I always see this. It’s everywhere in California. Sometimes, very visible that it looks like it’s the only thing that gives color to California roads.
colourful post. like your editorial comments a lot:))
Heeey, I want the purple Jacaranda Tree in my yard. I have never seen a more gorgeous tree, it’s a feast for the eyes and soul.
Thanks for sharing, Russel.
Blessings – Maxi
Thank you for the amazing photos of the sea lavender! They are gorgeous! It’s unbelievable where it can grow! I wish it would grow here in Minnesota. The Lily of the Nile and the Jacaranda tree are beautiful! I can imagine that your Grandma would have loved it there with all of that blooming purple!
Awww so beautiful
Love knowing what her favorite color was 
Thanks for sharing!
Love Sea Lavender!
Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) This plant has strap-like leaves and beautiful blue flowers in a rounded cluster on leafless stalks. Place the plants at a distance of about 2 feet from each other, setting them in a way that the tops of the fleshy roots are just below the surface of the soil.
Purple is also my color. I think your grandmother would’ve loved your purple surroundings:)