Squash Flower Surprise
“Why surprise?” you might be asking, if you read the title. Well I didn’t plant squash so I wasn’t expecting to get squash flowers. You do know the normal way things are supposed to go in gardening? You plant a seed and then it grows into what was on the package. In my case last year I did exactly that and lovely squash plants appeared. I gave loads away to friends whose plants behaved exactly as expected and produced wonderful squashes of the varieties I had planted. Mine, however, were pretty quickly completely destroyed by pests. The flowers rotted, the stems hollowed, the leaves withered… you get the picture. I decided that this year I would not sow any squash to avoid the inevitable disappointment. And then, late in the season, growing out of the side of my compost pile appeared a vigorous and healthy squash vine. I let it go, amused to see it there and curious to see how far it would grow before being consumed by pests. So far no pests, just glorious yellow flowers (mostly male), with the occasional small squash. There isn’t actually enough time to ripen the fruit, which is a pity when it has gone to so much trouble to grow, but the flowers are worth the effort as you can see. Life is full of surprises. Even though they might not be the surprises you want, you can usually find something to make you smile in them. Like this rich yellow flower. Have a good day, friends. You can click or tap the image above to view in large in the gallery directly now, a new development on my posts. View all posts on the Home page. A Flower a Day #391
To view the info and Flower a Day galleries…
The monthly and full Flower a Day Galleries with current content are below. Each day a new photo will be added. With today’s post there are now 391 to view on the project.
- September 21: Click here
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- May 21: Click here
- Remaining total gallery: Click here
October 21 Gallery :
A gallery of flowers shared on a daily basis to cheer myself and hopefully you, the viewer too, during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic period. Posts from October 2021
Kind of looks like a chubby star. Very striking.
It does! Thanks Chrissie.
My bet is that this charming chap is the messenger for next year. He’s wearing his brightest jester suit so you won’t miss him and his message. And you didn’t miss him. Heed his message and you will be rewarded in the coming year with much squash. The seed has been sown. Thank you, Ellie, for this happy herald.
I really hope that you are right, Janet! Meanwhile I am just holding my breath and hoping the first frosts hold off until the little squashes that are here will grow enough to harvest from this kindly (and beautiful) volunteer! Thanks Janet.
These flowers make me smile and the fact it will lead to a delicious squash is even more exciting!
It’s true! It’s a gift that keeps on giving. 🙂 Thanks Joanne.
I love the juxaposition of the last two days of posts; beauty in surprises, and beauty in what we otherwise think of as the wear-and-tear of life! We can learn a lot from nature can’t we? Thanks for your continued amazing start to my days!
Thank you so much for that kind comment, Erin. Indeed we can learn from the natural world. Every day. If I can help start your day with a smile or a thought, then I am delighted myself. xo
Such a lovely surprise Ellie. Bright and cheery. And I love what looks like a dusting on the petals when you zoom in on the flower. Hope you have a great day full of some more little surprises you never know. But we will take them whenever they come hugs to you and Steve.
Thank you again Linda! I hope today’s surprises are all good ones for you.