Dreams of Summer
- On January 18, 2013
- By Meleah
- In Annuals, Perennials, Trees and Shrubs, Veggies
7
I know it’s just January and there is much, much more winter to go. But I’m feeling unusually gloomy about all the cold and gray/white everywhere. So rather than stew, I spent some time looking at photos of gardens I’ve visited over the last couple of years. Seeing all those plants and blue sky cheered me right up. And I hope it helps you, too, if you’ve got a bit of the winter blues.
So, come on, then. Let’s go on a garden tour!
Okay, this isn’t really on the tour. But does anybody know what vine this is? Those pods are gorgeous.
I’m definitely planting succulents in window boxes after seeing this.
I love marsh marigolds.
Ah, spring is coming. Whew!
Susan Bundlie
The pods you asked about are, I’m pretty sure, from the hyacinth bean vine. I grew them (in Eagan) for the first time last year, and they were gorgeous. I’ve read that the beans in the pod are edible (flowers too, I think), but I couldn’t work up the courage to try them.
Mine were maroon in color, and the flowers were fuschia. Lovely!
Meleah
Hi Susan,
You are right! Several people replied to my blog and emailed to say they are hyacinth bean, so you were spot on. Thank you.
linda lafleur
The vine looks like a purple hyacinth bean. The flowers are beautiful, too. You can save seeds and plant them from year to year. I’ve read conflicting accounts on whether they are edible or not. I don’t eat them. But this is one of my favorite annual vines. 🙂
Meleah
Hi Linda,
Thanks so much. You were one of several people who were kind enough to write and tell me those were hyacinth bean pods. I’m definitely going to plant some of those this year.
linda lafleur
I’ve grown these for several years, and if I don’t save the seeds, I have to buy the seed packet very early in the spring, to avoid not finding any at all. It seems as though there’s a limited supply in the stores (although I don’t know why). And they usually fly off the shelf. So you’ll need to get there early, if you don’t want to be disappointed by an empty slot on the seed rack. I usually walk to the check out register with a big smile on my face, when I’ve gotten there early enough to find a few left. I’ll be doing that this year, too, as soon as the seeds are set out.
Jessica
Yes, I concur with hyacinth bean or technically. Dolicho lablab. I ran across info accidentally. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Apparently entire plant is okay to eat. Make sure the dried beans are cooked thoroughly and twice otherwise they are poisonous. (Good to know if that is your only food source!) I believe they originally are from Asia and Africa.
Meleah
Hey Jessica,
Thank you very much for your help!