Wednesday, February 20, 2008

How I Almost Got Arrested for Growing a Hibiscus

I started growing hardy hibiscus about three or four years ago. These are my favorite plants and also Middle Monkey's. He claims all of our plants as "his". The first plant I purchased was a Texas Star Hibiscus . I grew it in a large container on our deck. It grew to be about six feet tall. Now we live on a corner lot in a small town. If you have never seen the Texas Star Hibiscus click right there. Now you have an idea why our small town police officer pulled over on our side street, rolled down his window and asked, "Mrs. M. what kinda plants are you growing up there?" Seriously, I would not grow marijuana on my open deck for every person in small town Texas to see. I'm goofy, but not that goofy.

PS. He knew me by name for several reasons.
1. I used to have a peeping tom.
2. My kid called 911 and told on me.
3. My Manly Man was on the volunteer fire department with him.
4. We have had bicycles stolen.
5. It's a small town and we are a nosey lot.

24 comments:

  1. I have heard of this happening. I, too, grow Texas Star in my back yard. This year I will have some in the entry garden. Maybe I should post a sign with an explanation about what it is and what it isn't.

    Jan Always Growing

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  2. aunt deb ... I almost spit my coffee out reading this .. my god .. too funny ! .. next time I read one of your posts I will swallow coffee FIRST !
    Joy .. still laughing

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  3. That's too funny! The leaves do look suspicious, and I always thought cleome looked similar as well.

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  4. Oh Great. I never thought of that, now my Purple Queen will get questioned:}

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  5. That's pretty funny. What's so funny is that the cop asked you what you were growing. If you had been growing something illegal, would you fess up right then and there? So funny!

    Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

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  6. They are Texas Police Men. There is a little bubba in all of them.

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  7. That is too funny. Yes, I too think it looks like WEED. But then it blooms all the glory comes out. As a matter of fact, when I see it bloom, it gives me a high! lol

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  8. Oh how funny! That would be my luck....

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  9. Yep, We don't get away with anything around here.

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  10. Hi Aunt Deb, I found you thru Lisa's blog, Millertime.
    I'm a TX. girl too. I don't have a blog, even tho Lisa is trying to talk me into it, I'm just lurking for now. LOL over your hibicus story. 18 years ago we moved to our small TX. town close to WAX., so I know just what you mean. :)
    Love your blog so far. Nice to find someone in the 'hood. :)

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  11. Girl friend, if you are near WAX you are way to close to crazy here. Start a blog and get on board. Come on girl, this is fun.

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  12. lol, too funny!
    And here I am, wanting desperately to grow just one weed plant. Just one. Not because I want to smoke it, but simply because I'm not allowed to! Who's bright idea was it to tell gardeners that they can't grow something? Not smart.

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  13. Hmmm, we're close, huh? I'm in the 'Pearl, know where I'm talking about? :)

    Btw, you mentioned on Lisa's site that there is a good cacti and succulent guy in north TX.
    Where is he located and what's the name of the place? I've collected cacti for over 20 yrs. I'd love to find a dealer close by.

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  14. Yvonne, I thought you were abbreviating Waxahachi (spelled that wrong I'm sure) The cactus guy is in Harwood. His company is Cactus Corral. He sells wholesale to North Texas nurseries, but I know he will retail.

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  15. I was abreviating Waxahachie! I thought you would recognize the 'Pearl as Maypearl, without me actually telling everyone where I live. haha We're about 10 miles s/w of Waxahachie.

    I'll check that cactus dude out! Thank you! I have a 20 yr. old, 8 ft. tall cacti that I'm pretty sure is a Stenocereus Griseus, but it's never bloomed for me so I'm not 100% sure. I hate when they don't bloom, it drives me nuts!
    I've had this dude since it was 6 inches tall. I just can't figure out why it thrives, but won't bloom.

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  16. Oops sorry didn't mean to rat you out. By the way there is a real Pearl Texas. 60 miles west of Waco. That plant should have bloomed the year before last. Is it in the shade?

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  17. Deb, I'm lovin' it. I've never grown Texas star and now I'm afraid. LOL funny.~~Dee

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  18. Don't be afraid. That flower is gorgeous.

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  19. Nope, I have a fantastic south facing sunroom. I have a huge collection of cacti and succulents and 90% of them bloom for me every year. I also raise orchids and have no bloom problems, so I'm pretty confused as to why this guy won't bloom. We even carry them outside every year, with the help of a two wheel dolly. I've had the darn thing for 20 years, I'd like to see it bloom before I die! haha

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  20. Oh my I didn't mean to place a label on your cacti, oops:)

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