In the mid 1970s or 80s- it all blurs together these days- I grew a phlox called “Eco Happy Traveler”- One of the many kinds of wild phlox, this one was sold by Don Jacobs of Eco Gardens in Georgia. It blooms about two weeks after phlox diviracata and is a little taller. The ‘travel’ part refers to its ability to spread by underground roots. For the past 35 years I have had scads of them in bloom late April.
Last year, something happened- only a few came up and none bloomed. This year, none came up that I could see. It was so disappointing to have so many and then next to none. I really don’t even know if Mr. Jacobs is still in business or still living. It really upset me- It was like an annual event for me. But as I think back, several years ago I had that same phlox growing in a different section of land and those also disappeared. But those I beleive, got
chocked out by ivy.
Anyway, four days ago, i was in a part of my land that used to be prettily planted and could be seen by customers arriving at my antiques shop. It is a hillside, steep and maybe six feet high but on a gradual slant. I got half way up that hill and my balance didn’t seem quite right, so I just stopped to regain control of my footage- As I looked down to see where I might fall, if I did fall, to my great surprise, there were two plants of Eco Happy Traveler. Not blooming, but healthy plants. A sudden surge of energy swept thru my body and I knew all was right regardless of how silly my feet were acting.
The following day I dug the plants and put in special pots, placed in better location- now they can regain their strength and once again become ‘happy travelers’- and hopefully thrill me years to come.
N.A.
N.A. Booko- Listen up my aged feet- hear this and heed my words: If you can punish me by hurting when I stand and walk, then I can punish you by standing and walking even further . . .
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:44:41 -0400
From: “N.A. Booko”
Subject: Eco Happy Traveler . .