Recently, the Docents of the Durango Botanic Gardens voted on their choice for Plant of the Year. They selected something unusual: the ‘Globemaster’ Allium.  The choice is unusual because it is a plant that grows from a BULB.  This bulb blooms in late spring-early summer with huge purple baseball-sized globes.  After the flower fades, the seed heads remain for a while, providing architectural interest.  Then the foliage disappears, only to emerge the following spring to begin the bloom cycle again. When in bloom in the Contemporary section of the Literary Garden, this plant generated more amazement and questions from visitors than any other plant in the Gardens. Alliums are members of the onion family and come in a variety of other colors and shapes. Generally considered deer-resistant and tolerant of poor soils, they are popular choices at DBG’s annual Bulb Sale.  (Photo courtesy of Dutchbulbs.com)

PREVIOUS DOCENTS’ CHOICE WINNERS

2022:  Midnight Marvel’ Rose Mallow,  Hibiscus moscheutos

2021:  ‘Undaunted’ Ruby Muhly, Muhlenbergia reverchonii

2020:  Hummingbird Trumpet Mint, Monardella macrantha ‘Marian Sampson’

2019:  Kintzley’s Ghost, Lonicera reticulata

2018:  Hopflower Oregano, Origanum libanoticum

2017:  Coral Canyon Twinspur, Diascia integerrima