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Growing on the High Plains: Hollyhock

Today’s Growing on the High Plains will unfurl a little history about the hollyhock, including its prevalence among English cottage landscapes and ancient applications as holistic medicine.

A single hollyhock plant has taken residence among the tangle of squash and pumpkin plants in my garden. Since I never once planted one, I assume it must be a gift from a passing bird, deposited from a dropping. Today’s Growing on the High Plains will unfurl a little history about the hollyhock, including its prevalence among English cottage landscapes and ancient applications as holistic medicine. Though enchanting to gaze upon, these plants can become invasive—so be sure to trim yours back. If you’d like to try your hand at growing these flowers, email me at skip@pld.com and I’ll send you some seeds.

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.