Gladiola

Gladiolas are a perennial flower that grow from a bulb.  They come in single and multicolored varieties, blooming in may and producing until mid summer.  In the beach flats garden, gladiolas line the walkways, interspersed with annuals like marigolds (cempasuchil) and cosmos (girasoles).  A few narcissus bulbs are mixed in providing an early blooming companion to the leggy gladiolas.  Any trip to the garden is sure to include Domingo telling the colors of the gladiolas he has.  “Morado, rojo, rosado, amarillo, blanco” he says, smiling as he thinks of the beautiful colored stalks.  Gladiolas were a favorite plant of my grandmother, Anita.  I remember them in her garden alongside zucchini and tomatoes.  A favorite of gardeners old and young, gladiolas are a must have in any garden.