Pic Today 5/10/11

POM-POMS IN THE GARDEN

A sure sign of a May garden is the giant allium,

a member of the onion family.

These 6-foot tall sturdy stems are beautiful

before, during and after their 2-week lavender bloom.

The tight round buds form elegant sculptures

as they gradually open to form purple "softballs".

Seed heads then make impressive displays after flowers die back.

(Every part of the giant allium smells like onion if bruised or bent.)