MISS JO SURE IS GLAD SHE’S ON THE GUEST LIST FOR THE ANNUAL party that calla lilies throw in her San Francisco back yard this time of year, half way through the six-month rainy season.
The stalks start emerging from the blank ground around Thanksgiving when the winter rains finally start to fall. Now, there are two stands of callas with about a dozen flowers unfurling on stems as long as Miss Jo’s arm— and more are on the way.
How they grow so big without any attention, after dying back– really vanishing– during the dry season is almost as mysterious as Ms. Teriosa.
For cat Rudy Kazootie, the callas’ return means he has huge leaves to hide under when winter downpours roll off the Pacific.
To Miss Jo’s neighbor Mavis, who grew up in a Mexican American household, the callas’ appearance is nothing to celebrate. By cultural tradition, they’re symbolic of funerals and death.
With all due respect, to Miss Jo, the callas are like hitting the gardening jackpot.
Photos by Miss Jo
4 Comments
Just lovely! We had temps in the 50s today, so I’m all gussied up for Spring. Of course, knowing DC weather, we’ll get dumped on, snow-wise, big-time, soon!
Thanks DK. Callas are wonderfully symbolic that way. I like Callas better than the traditional potted “Easter Lily,” which for me has the connotation of death.
I’m like your neighbor, they always remind me of funerals. Here in Fresno they are plentiful around Good Friday, reminding me of the crucifixion.
They sure are pretty. And if they require minimal care then I should look into them. I never met a plant I couldn’t destroy with neglect.