Over 20 stalks, nearly three times more than normal, produced unusually large hibiscus blossoms at the home of Nona Gottskalson this summer.

BLOOMING SUCCESS

DESPITE DROUGHT, GIANT FLOWERS BLOSSOMED AT LOCAL RESIDENCES

During the drought this region has been experiencing the last few weeks, many lawns have turned brown and crispy, alfalfa growth has been stunted, and vegetable gardens and flowers are thirsting for moisture.
Many communities have even placed watering restrictions because of the lack of precipitation.
Amid all this dryness, however, something unusual has occurred at two local residences. At the homes of Greg and Nona Gottskalson, and Tom and Elana Nomeland, enormous flowers have emerged on their property.
The Gottskalksons' hibiscus has grown much larger than ever before.
"It's at least a foot taller than I ever remember it," said Nona. "And it has 20 stalks this year. The most I've ever seen in the seven years I've had it is six or seven."
On Monday, there 21 "Big Red" hibiscus flowers that blossomed; each around eight inches across. The flower lasts only day, drops off and a new one emerges the next day. The bush itself is around six feet tall.
"I didn't really do anything different than what I've done in the past," Nona said. "I always put Miracle Gro on them and I might have watered a little more because it's been so dry. But nothing out of the ordinary. It's just really weird how big they are this year." The hibiscus is continuing to grow, too.
"I can't wait to see what it's going to look like this fall," Nona remarked.
At the home of Tom and Elana Nomeland, larger-than-normal Trumpet Lilies adorn their property on the north side of town.
These yellow-colored lilies are about five feet tall with each flower also around eight inches wide.
"We bought the lily about five years ago in St. Peter at a horticulture sale," said Tom.
"I don't remember it ever even blossoming before this," Elana said. "They are really pretty."
And pretty big. They tower over other lilies seen in the area.
"They have such a strong fragrance, too," said Tom. "I can smell them as soon as I go in the back yard."
The lilies are beginning to wilt now as they only last about two weeks each summer.
It will be interesting, however, to see what these two flowers look like next summer.

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