Gladiolus

Gladiolus (from Latin, the diminutive of gladius, a sword) is a genus of perennial bulbous flowering plants in the iris family. Sometimes called the sword lily, the most widely used English common name for these plants is simply gladiolus (plural gladioli, gladioluses or sometimes gladiolas).

I don't care what you call them, but to me they always remind me of home. My dad has grown gladiolas (my personal spelling preference) since we moved into the house on Moundglen Lane (also my personal spelling preference---since every street sign in the neighborhood spells it differently). They flowers don't last long, and they have no fragrance. I love them. 

The pink are my favorite. Dad would always gather a huge vase full for my mom to put in the house. Once, when I was 8 or 9 we strung a bunch of white blooms together to make a lei for Hawaiian dress up day. I remember feeling very special since all the other Highlands Hooters had plastic rainbow colored leis on. (Side note: before the elementary school changed the mascot to a hawk, it was an owl, and we were The Hooters.) 

I couldn't resist taking pictures when I was home this past weekend. My dad has always worked hard to have beautiful flowers in the yard. He's been successful, except for a few rose bushes. His tulips are to die for. He also grows a variety of vegetables. We've always had tomatoes---it's a family tradition. He grows fantastic green beans, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries (not so numerous as before), and new this year . . . 

. . . ONIONS. I had no idea that onion plants grew this tall, or had such a pretty flower. Now when the tomatoes are ready all we need is some cilantro, chiles and lime. Nothing like home grown produce.

I have no idea what this flower is called, but I thought it photo worthy.

And I just like how this photo turned out. So there.