Outgrowth

Sun, meet moon

First thing this morning I had to see what our agave potatorum had accomplished over the past week. Just before the sun poked its nose over the trees, and with a sliver of the moon still hanging around beyond the tip, I could easily see the agave’s branches, or panicles, had stretched out. Last weekend the branches, tipped with tight bud clusters, were snuggled up with the main stalk; today they have a definite sway to them, reaching out in the sinuous manner of a Balinese dancer. Measuring the obviously-taller stalk, I was surprised to see it’s now reached 73 inches in length — that’s another 10 inches in a week!

Gaudí curves

Commenting on last week’s agave post, reader Emily noted astutely that the panicles bore a resemblance to the work of Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudí, and of course she’s right. More so now, the  longer branches do share a similar curvy, organic similarity with many of Gaudí’s more fanciful work. Even the buds bunched at the branch’s ends seem to reference Gaudí’s handiwork. We know the reverse was actually the case, and that Gaudí was inspired by nature his entire life, even going so far as to declare, “Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.” Finding nature and its creations divine is, well, natural. Seeing the ways nature takes its course, and bearing witness to its wonders is an honor all gardeners share. This is why I’m happy to post these pictures. I will continue to document the agave’s progress; please feel free to continue to share your comments!

Sun, buds