Hairy Balls

A couple of weeks ago, while we were walking through Olbrich Gardens , we ran across this wicked cool plant that Mark couldn’t identify. It is extremely rare that he can’t immediately identify something. He took a picture of it with the intent to send it to Jeff (Olbrich’s director) to get the identification. A few days later, while at the farmer’s market, we ran across the same plant, used in some fresh flower arrangements. They were mixed with the bright orange Chinese Lanterns and were absolutely gorgeous—very original. Due to the Petey factor, we can no longer have fresh or dried bouquets in the house. We asked the woman who made the arrangements if she knew what it was called, but she didn’t. Well, we got the identification from Jeff (finally), and it was worth waiting for. It’s even worth its own blog entry (if nothing else, it proves I still have the sense of humor of a 12-year old boy!). I have to grow this next year! It is called Hairy Balls. Officially it’s: Gomphocarpus physocarpus 'Hairy Balls'. Nothing like honesty in labeling! Bonus points if you can spot the grasshopper nestled amongst the hairy balls.