Step on it!

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Michael bought these two pots of Goldenmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre), which we are going to plant along the stone walkway in the front area of our garden. He was attracted to these plants in particular because of their fun brand name: Stepables. (Ah, the marketing got to him!)

Goldenmoss is said to endure not only foot traffic but also dry conditions. That is a good thing since, at the rate we are going -- with our rainless March -- we might not be successful with much else. It is supposed to get tiny yellow flowers in June and July and then the foliage will take on a reddish color during the cold months.

A few interesting tidbits about this plant: The "acre" in its name means "sharp." This site notes that the plant has a bitter taste. In small quantities, it can be used as a survival food, but too much can cause stomach upset. Cedar Nursery in the U.K. says it was "used as a purgative since Roman times or before and was actively cultivated by medieval monks, consequently it is often found on the sites of ancient monasteries."

Needless to say, we are not going to eat it. Michael, I think, is merely looking forward to the maintenance procedure: stepping on it!