Shopping at Grannys

A few weeks ago, we returned to my grandmother's in Fuquay for some yard work. My husband commented that while we were working in her yard, that at every turn she has an unexpected focal point or creature peeking out at you. Its true and truly an amazing place! Here are a few more pics of her yard:

Fortunately, her yard is suffering from being overgrown whereas mine is just getting started! So, I did some "shopping" and learned about some new plants. Here's what I returned with:

• Mockorange - We were spraying for weeds in the driveway, when I noticed a tree-like shrub bursting with delicate white blooms hidded behind an overgrown evergreen. It was a mockorange. A new plant to me, I've learned that its a fast growing easy plant to grow that performs well in both sun and part shade. It will likely outgrow where I've planted it, but I can't wait to see how it performs.


• Trumpet (Coral) Honeysuckle Vine - We had this vine growing up, so I was excited to be able to get some of it from one granny had growing on a lamp post. I've planted it on a bird house post in the back yard. Its probably not as sunny at the plant would like, but I'm optimistic for blooms and the hummingbirds they attract!


• Dead Nettle Lamium - This perennial evergreen ground cover was peaking out from underneath the Mockorange. At first, I thought it was a Rex Begonia but I later learned it was Lamium. I love the variegated foliage!


• Jerusalem Sage - I was hesitant to take this one, mostly because my herb garden is already bursting at the seams, but she insisted!! It does have a beautful yellow bloom, so I didn't really resist. It also is much taller than my other sage plants, however apprarently its not a true sage or herb.