After months of hot, dry record breaking weather we had an early morning rain. This time of the year a good soaking always makes the Oxblood lilies pop up. These are my favorite harbingers of cooler fall weather. In fact, I noticed out in the garden the tips of the buds poking through the damp dirt. It wont be long before southern gardens will wake up with these long forgotten heirloom red blossoms.
Color has been a big topic of conversation as well as consternation around the house this week, as we are getting ready to repaint our home’s exterior. This long overdue task has sent me to the local paint store multiple times, looking at swatches, and picking up paint samples to try on for size. Right now we are going for a scheme that is muted and blends easily into the red rock sandstone that is indigenous to this part of the Cross Timbers region. One color that will go on the house has more mystical roots, we are planning on painting the porch ceiling Haint Blue.
Although you can find variations of the color being called haint blue, the use of a tint of blue green on porch ceilings and around doorways in the south is said to keep bugs away AND ward off evil spirits. The Dirt Doctor, Howard Garrett wrote an article on Haint Blue, describing its history and uses.We will have to just keep you posted on its effectiveness- at least as far as the bugs go.
I love your Red Oxblood Lilies! I have the Pink Oxblood Lilies, they started blooming today, check out my pictures.
Oxblood Lily Blooming
Those are beautiful, I’ve never seen the pink ones. Thanks for sharing!