It is cold here in the South.
The branches are bare,
the perennials are asleep,
and most annuals have faded away,
so I was surprised to see these little red berries.
This planter hangs on the fireplace on our back deck,
and for years I have used asparagus ferns to fill it,
but this was the first time I have ever noticed these little red berries.
Each year in early spring I replace the brown (dead) asparagus ferns with a new ones.
This past spring I was late in getting my planters filled with new plants,
and that is when I noticed this asparagus fern,
that I thought was dead,
was actually springing up new growth.
It came back beautifully and was lush and green all summer.
It doesn't look too pretty right now,
but there is still a little green,
and now there are a few red berries too,
so I am hoping it will come back again this spring.
In doing a little research I learned that ferns cannot produce fruit or berries,
so the asparagus fern isn't actually a fern, it's a member of the lily family.
I enjoy growing this plant because it is soft, lush, pest free,
and best of all it is drought tolerant which is great for our hot summer months here in the South.
Be careful though, especially if growing this plant indoors,
the red berries are poisonous so keep them away from children and pets.
See you back here tomorrow for AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Linking with:
I grew up in south Florida, and we always had asparagus ferns because they are very heat tolerant. I am very familiar with the red berries.
ReplyDeleteI bet yours will continue to come back.
I have two huge ones that I keep from year to year. 5 years and going... I usually just cut them back and put them in the garage or basement... no water... just let them sit and shed... around March I begin to fertilize and water. They begin to green out and grow... love them.. I did not know the lily family fact.. good to know or that the berries were poisonous... Have a gret day. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Cinday! Love those little red berries! Here's to another year of blogging with you.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
The little berries are so pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Even the dead part of the plant looks artistic and beautiful in a sculptured way!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, The little red berries are so sweet and the pop of color is perfect for January. I hope your new year is off to a great start! xxL
ReplyDeleteI have these and they just keep on going, year after year... even in Texas! (the berries, too)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, I'm always looking for "drought resistant" plants even though we live in the Midwest ~ since I have a black thumb and they're probably my best bet at keeping anything alive! xoKathleen
ReplyDeleteThat is one of my all time favorite ferns (which is not a fern I now know)-lol. I love it alone and as a "filler" for window boxes. I have had it come back but only once..and it was inside in a dormant state. I have never seen berries on it though Beautiful. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI love an Asparagus Fern in containers for the summer. I had no idea that it isn't truly a fern!
ReplyDeleteI planted asparagus fern for the first time this past summer and loved it! Thanks for the tips about the berries Cindy!
ReplyDeleteAgain, you've managed to capture something that most of us will probably not notice, just beautiful Cindy! We're bracing for a lot of snow as well, stay warm!
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI see you are enjoying your new camera! Isn't it amazing how the beauty of the smallest things stand out if we only go looking for it? Beautiful, friend!
Hi, Cindy...
ReplyDeleteUp early for Met Monday.
We used to use these a lot in arrangements for various JL events. I was arrangements chairman a million years ago, and we loved using asparagus fern since it grows prolifically in Florida and was free since we clipped it from everyone's yards. Once we used them in the back of swan planters with roses and other flowers, and the arrangements were stunning.
XO,
Sheila
Hmmm, I've grown asparagus ferns before but don't remember ever seeing berries, either. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for Hosting. and for stopping by. I found you thru Debbie Dabbles.
I haven't seen the red berries on asparagus Fern, but being a floral designer
This is a fav for wedding work and have seen it filled with green and lots of thorns!
Have ya tried planting the berries?
Fern or not, it's fun to see the little berries.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have you celebrating the New Year at Seasonal Sundays.
- The Tablescaper