What a sweet story Sharon. I think it's wonderful that a bird or someone or something has left you this gift and the sweet memories it brought back for you.

And yes, friends definitely count

Thanks Vic. It was a nice surprise watching it grow and waiting for the bloom. I knew it had to be something important to grow so tall on such a spindly stalk. One stalk, that's all there was, but unlike any other 'weed' that I was yanking up. So I didn't yank it, luckily. It's winding down now, but has been blooming for more than a month.

Yep, about friends.

Sweet story Sharon!
I love mine, I have them popping up here and there every year, easy to pull where you don't want them. Most get nice branching so if you planted several next to each other, they would make a nice mass of color.
Most are in the 4-5 ft height range but I have one that popped up next to my blue eucalyptus and it's about 8 ft. tall, almost like it's trying to keep up or compete with the tree!

I'm so glad to see more of yours, Sue. I knew when I found it in the database that surely you had more. I'm anxious to see if this one reseeds here in this climate. I didn't plant it, but sure wish I had more of them. This one, and there is only one - is about as tall as I am, about 5' - it's still blooming now and looking a bit tired, but it has been lovely for months.

Thanks for sharing, yours are striking!

I have never bothered trying to collect seed but I bet if you watch the blooms as they dry, you could try collecting them.
I have one that gets too much water from the lawn sprinkler and it has mildew, they really prefer to be on the dry side.

Good to know. I had already guessed about the dry side, since the plant was about 3 feet tall and mixed with the lilies before I noticed it. Totally neglected by me. I'll watch for seeds. Thank you!

I am almost finished reading "Swan Place" a story with an Aunt Bett in it. Right away I thought of you and all your wonderful memories of your Aunt Bett.

Then I need to find that book and read it, don't I, Pegi?