So get ready to meet the many members of my balcony gang...but don't worry. They're not mean gang members. They won't cut you or anything.
Up first is....MR. PEACOCK! This lovely addition is courtesy of my sister who saw it sitting in Target. Looking lonely and abandoned among the lawn chairs and garden gnomes, this peacock needed a home. A place where the wind could blow and makes it cute little head bob up and down. It truly is a magical thing to behold. Born in China, Mr. Peacock now stands proud while keeping the flowers in line.
Next up...MRS. MERMAID-FLAG! I discovered her on a venture down to the local liquor store for booze and cigarettes. Yep - I'm classy like that. I spotted her perched high on the wall of the t-shirt shop and she now hangs proudly from the upper balcony...calling to pirates and revelers and small children. Born in Thailand, Mrs. Mermaid-Flag adds just the perfect touch of tacky to my home.
MR. BUBBLES is the showstopper. This bad boy lights up peoples' days. I've never seen so many grown ups stop and chase a bubble or two. Everyone smiles and looks around for the source of bubbles. Most people enjoy it. Except for the lady that owns the Smart car. Who doesn't like bubbles? Whatevs - we won't get into that. The bubble-maker was a gift from my new friends, Alex and Robbie, who after hearing the story of my and Ryan's first date and then hearing how much I love bubbles, thought it would be perfect. The first date story goes as follows: Ryan got lost and as I was on the phone trying to give him directions, I noticed a shit-ton of bubbles and giggled like a little kid. Seriously - I'm kind of surprised he still wanted to meet me. But, luckily, he did, and he found me under the bubbles. A somewhat ridiculous story, but the inspiration for the bubble-maker.
The flowers round out the group...
On to the HIBISCUS. Known fondly to the rest of the group as the Peach Twins, these guys grace the corners of the balcony. Although their blooms last only a few days, they have taught me a lesson in resilience. You can't hold them down. They will bloom again. Bad ass hibi's. Plus, they are Miss Mary Jane's favorite flower...that little dog will sniff and sniff and sniff them. I think it's like crack for her. We may have to stage an intervention at some point.
Then we have the ANNUALS - Miss Pomegranate Punch and Ms. Blackberry Punch, sisters by nature but unique in their own right. They were supposed to live in the window baskets, but after being fearful that they would fall, were relocated to their current home on the floor of the balcony. From here, they grow out through the railings and help the climbing flower seeds grow to their true potential. Thanks Em for the climbers...those little guys are making their way in this big world.
The IXORAs are next. These coral/red exotic beauties came to us from Home Depot. Although it took me 30 minutes driving around to find the damn entrance to the parking lot, it was well worth it when I caught a look at these gals. Relaxed and whimsical, the Ixora's are the stoners of the group. Damn hippies.
And let's not forget about the BOUGAINVILLEA. This sassy little number is making my life hell. The blooms come and go and I can't seem to figure out if it's dying or just being a pain in the ass. Alas, there's always one black sheep in the group. It probably doesn't help that I was mispronouncing its name for the longest time...Borgenia, Borgia...I still have no idea how to say it. So this girl needs to shape up or may find herself trying to grow in the garbage can.
MR. and MRS. PETUNIA are next. These guys came to me from an amazing nursery called Urban Roots near Mary Jane's doggy daycare. Not only are the ladies who work at this place extremely helpful and informed, but the plants are frigging beautiful. So I found these huge baskets and knew immediately they were meant to sway in the breeze on my balcony. So far, they seem to have thrived in the sun, although dead-heading them (removing the dead buds) has been a royal pain in the ass.
Now hurry up and buy a plane ticket so you can enjoy a glass of wine with me on the balcony!
All my love,
Ali
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