Hollyhock heaven

there is simply nothing more beautiful than a hollyhock. I find them really mesmerising. Their habit of sprouting out of rugged paving, empty cracks, dry soil. They provide a frilled celebration against the wall or corner of something until then unmarked. They prefer not to be invited and seem to have their own idea about when and if they will appear, and what colour they will choose to wear.

I first began my admiration of them in Germany about 6 years ago and collected seed all over Kronenburgh. My attempt to plant them then failed. My next seed collecting quest was in Oxford, mainly the streets of Jericho and north oxford. I would walk the street usually at dusk hunting down every colour. The thrill of finding a new colour is immense and once in my sight I was unshakable in my intent to gather seed - creeping over garden walls, dodging on lookers.

I have a very handsome seed collection. I've scattered some in uninviting cracks here but fear the very nature of a hollyhock is upset by this meditated act - they are independent spirited and not of a cultuvated mindset.