Accidental science project

I was out in the driveway garden and noticed that I have Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' in four different locations. I remember putting the plant in two places and it likely self-seeded into the other two. The size and shape of the plants and the leaf color are all different to varying degrees. I think it is all based on the amount of light each plant is receiving. I was so fascinated by this little science walk that I took a picture of each plant.

This one is growing upwards, definitely reaching towards the light. No surprise as it is right next to the house and has been hidden behind a big container. 

Number two is further along the same stone wall. Mark parks his truck here, but this plant gets some light as the rear of the truck doesn't usually hide the entire plant. No flowers open as yet. 

This one is hidden from sight most of time by the truck. To me that would suggest its foliage should be green but it is definitely darker than its two neighbors along this wall. But no flowers blooming yet either.

This is the original plant and it's across the driveway in a raised area. Unlike the other three it grows more horizontally. And it has the chocolate foliage that its name suggests. This has been growing under our Forest Pansy redbud where it gets early spring sun. But there is a bad chance that the redbud has died so that will affect the future of this and all the shade plants that were growing under it. 

Comments

[Kris P]

If only all our gardens would school us in this manner!

[Elizabeth]

And there you have it -- why gardening is so fascinating and frustrating at the same time. You research, and study and observe, taking into account all sorts of factors so that you can make the best possible choice for the spot, but at least 1.2 million things will mock you. Not the least of which is that plants are living things and will do what they do. Yes, gardening is endlessly fascinating!

[danger garden]

I grew this years ago, I love those dark leaves (who cares about the flowers!). Sadly it didn't like my garden.

I just looked over the itinerary for the Madison Fling, once again I am sad that I won't be meeting you, or touring your garden. Hopefully lots of photos will follow in blog land!