The Aloe of Death and the Apostle Plant--The Saugus Public Library Plants. Photos: M. Clouse

IT'S ALIVE!!!!

The plant news today comes from the halls of the Saugus Public Library, where I am a volunteer.  Besides dealing with books and whatnot, I also care for the plant collection.  As you may remember from previous pages, I was away from the job while I was in Costa Rica and between not feeling well when I got back and MLK Day when the library was closed, I had not seen the plants for about 3 weeks until this afternoon. 

I knew that the Apostle plant, Neomarica caerulea, or Walking Iris was going into bloom when I left. It had one budded flower stalk.  Today, I counted 5 budded flower stalks.  And to my amazement, the giant Aloe, or as we lovingly refer to it, The Aloe of Death, had a flower stalk coming up.  I have been caring for the latter plant for many years and it has never bloomed, while the Apostle plant has bloomed a number of times. Of course, I took pictures.  I have included pictures of the Neomarica flowers when it flowered last as well.  I will be taking progressive pictures of the AOD so that we can track its progress.  Here they are as of today:

The Aloe of Death with new flower stalk.

Close up of the flower stalk.

Flower stalk of the Neomarica.
There are four more so far,
and it could get more.

Neomarica flower from the Library. This is one of last year's flowers.

I am glad to be here for these.  Plants I care for tend to like to bloom when I am gone, but these two have been quite gratifying.  Thanks to the Saugus Public Library staff for letting me take care of these. More pictures will follow.

Martha