Mushroom Run

Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, S.C.

When PETA harassed the Franciscan Monks of Mepkin Abbey into giving up chicken farming they turned to mushroom growing. I had no complaints about them taking up mushrooms although I originally hoped they might decide to be the Fudge Making Monks of Moncks Corner. You must admit it has a ring to it!

The gardens are so beautiful it is worth a drive (check your directions) any time of the year and now you can pick up mushrooms. Here is the mushroom story and a link to the online store.  The monks are pretty high tech.

Okay kids. I need to get my shower and get to bed. Another day ends.

Running through the Cornfield

Jesus and St. John in the cornfield, Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, S.C.

Why? Why are Jesus and St. John running through the cornfield holding hands? John seems bewildered by it himself. He is looking up at Jesus with questions in his eyes.

This statue is so puzzling to me that I have to visit it whenever I am at Mepkin Abbey. It is off to the right of the main garden area. The field isn't planted with corn now but the statue clearly says, "Jesus and St. John in the cornfield." I didn't notice until I reviewed the pictures that they had lost hands and fingers.

I always want to run through the high grass when I am there and come rushing out just like Jesus and John.

In other news I am just back from Barbara Ven Thullenar's wedding reception at Crave in Mt. Pleasant. It was a lovely affair. I was a little worried because the only other time I had met this gracious lady was when I had taken pictures of her at a camp for children with cancer and she was in a Pollyanna outfit fully made up. I wasn't sure I'd recognize her dressed as a bride. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Ancient Oaks and Spanish Moss

Live Oak with Spanish Moss, Moncks Corner, S.C.

This is the kind of weekend it was. A bright shiny gift. Now we have revived enough to stand a little more cold weather if necessary.

Unrelated to this beautiful tree, I love this story in the Post and Courier by Brenda Rindge about the kids selling painted and decorated keys to raise money for Crisis Ministries to build their new shelter. I'm sure the parents steered them but how cool that they have taken on the project. Let's spread the word. I think I'll send them some money. Article here: Kids Hold Keys to Caring.

Fading Beauties

Camellia, Moncks Corner, S.C.

Camellias are a winter gift to the south. We are so used to living in a colorful garden that they keep us from suffering too much in the winter. These are white camellias that took a chill with the cold last week. Now it's warm again and the puddle of petals on the ground is as beautiful as the blossom. 

Here is a fun essay on Camellia names.

If the Bloom Is Off the Rose for You
Camellias, native to Asia, have become fixtures in the West ever since their introduction in the 1700s. Their leaves are dried to make traditional green or black tea, and many gardeners plant them for their showy winter blooms, which have a wide range of colors. Camellias thrive in temperate regions, but there are now also cold-hardy varieties that have expanded the growing range as far north as Canada.


There are countless species in the genus camellia, but these three species (or hybrids of them) are the most common:
JAPONICA The most common ornamental species, it has large showy blooms, like a cabbage rose or a peony. The flowers fall off like a wilted pompon when spent, rather than shedding their petals one at a time.
SASANQUA Another ornamental, but its blooms look more like an antique rose with fewer petals than C. japonica and a prominent yellow stamen. The petals fall to the ground singly.   SINENSIS Also known as the tea plant, this species is the source of traditional black, green, oolong and white teas. It is squat and has small, fragrant white flowers.