24 Comments
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Gloria Foster's avatar

I sang that song as a child as well. Learned it in sunday School.

And I'm enthralled by this new plant that I hope to add to my nice shade garden.

Thanks again Diane, for a super description of a charming new plant!

Cecilia Riddell's avatar

There's a. lovely song, probably called "Jacob's Ladder". Lyrics begin: "We are....climbing....

Jacob's Ladder. We are...climbing.....Jacob's....ladder. etc. Soldiers of the cross. Every

step goes higher, higher....." I believe it's a Spiritual. Anybody,

out there, do you remember singing this? Cecilia Riddell

Diane Porter's avatar

Yes, I'm not sure where I learned it, but I too sang it as a child.

Jady Conroy's avatar

Yes! I treasure the Jacob's Ladder which has agreed to not only grow but spread in my woodland garden!

Diane Porter's avatar

How lovely. Your garden must be marvelous.

Linda Sonrisa Jones's avatar

Yes, what a sweet relief to read about this lovely plant with the biblical name, gives a sense of peace. Reminds me of the prayer plant I brought from Fairfield to Carmel, that sits on our kitchen table. As the leaves unfold they show a pattern like praying hands, coming together.

Diane Porter's avatar

Ah, Linda. I wonder if we could talk on the phone sometime this week.

Dad's avatar

Thank you, Diane. What a pleasure to read!

Jo Cherry's avatar

Beautiful plant and history. Thanks for sharing.

Bonnie's avatar

I came by my Jacob's Ladder when my son was in 4th grade (he is 60 now). The class planted seeds collected by the teacher and became Mother's Day gifts. Mine blooms around Mother's Day. I moved last June and that was one of the plants I made sure to bring.

Diane Porter's avatar

I love this story, from Jacob to wonderful teacher to boy to mother to lifelong garden treasure.

Penny J Leisch's avatar

It's so delicate. I love that you have such good photos. This is a plant I'd never get to see without them.

Diane Porter's avatar

Thank you Penny!

Susan Wittig Albert's avatar

We're too dry and hot for this lovely woodland lover. For blues, I have to content myself with the bluebonnets (wild) and the vinca (which is close to this but a garden plant). Gorgeous photos!

Diane Porter's avatar

Ah, but the Texas Bluebonnets! I saw them once, when I visited my parents in Kerrville. The bluebonnets were glorious growing along the highways. But I've never seen one in Iowa, and indeed they don't grow here.

Susan Wittig Albert's avatar

Yes, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Burnet are at all alongof the Hill Country's spring wildflower "corridor." Hoping for a good bloom this spring, but October was very dry, and that's when we see the best germination.

Denise OBrien's avatar

Thank you for highlighting this beautiful plant with blue flowers. I planted one years ago but it probably gave up for the weeds. Our eyes are hungry for color as we get closer to the Equinox next week.

Diane Porter's avatar

Yes, I also have very hungry eyes. All hail to Spring!

Patty Matherly Dolllive's avatar

Good morning, Jacob!! And, Diane 💝

Diane Porter's avatar

I like it that you call him Jacob. I label my seedlings that way, and I'll say Welcome back Jacob when he pops out his pretty leaves in a little while.

Marie Burdett's avatar

It's so beautiful! I would love to find one someday.

Diane Porter's avatar

Thanks for commenting Marie. I do feel a special affection for flowers whose seeds I've gathered, especially on my own land. Next best is when someone sends them to me from their land. I like knowing where they came from. Like friends.

Margaret Tomlinson's avatar

It was fun reading about how you discovered this plant in the wild. I have a Jacob's Ladder in my garden that I adore.

Diane Porter's avatar

It does seem to be a plant that one adores, doesn't it? Something about it inspires actual affection.