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Duncan and the mystery flower
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Mystery of the monster bloom
2/ 7/2008
A FLOWER which has remained dormant for eight years has mysteriously bloomed and left the experts scatching their heads in bewilderment.
And what’s more, in the past few weeks it’s grown 6ft in a transformation which has amazed Duncan Davies.
The 65-year-old, of Calder Grove, Shaw, said the flower was planted by his late brother, Malcolm, in 2000.
For years, even though it had a prime spot well away from other plants in the garden, it refused to bloom, but now it has come into its own and nobody knows what on earth it is. The flowers of the plant are three-feet long and pinky-salmon coloured.
Mr Davies, a keen gardener, said: "What is puzzling me, apart from the fact of it suddenly bursting into bloom, is just what it is?
"I have consulted experts but no one seems to know. If anyone can identify it I would love to hear from them."
The retired window cleaner says that despite the frustrating issue of identification, the plant has given him comfort after the loss of his brother.
"When Malcolm died suddenly of cancer I felt as if I had lost my soul mate," he said. "My father had 10 children and brought us all up, single-handedly, in a cottage in High Crompton. Malcolm and I were always close and, being keen gardeners, we were always planting things. Malcolm put this particular plant in eight years ago, but it never flowered until after he passed away. It’s a wonderful sight to me, as it makes me feel as if he’s still around. It’s as if his presence is in the garden every day, keeping an eye on all the flowers coming to life."
Duncan is well known in the Duchess Street area of Shaw, where he lives, as he often joined Malcolm and another brother, Ray, helping local pensioners clear snow from their paths in winter and running errands for them.
"Malcolm was a smashing lad and is missed by all who knew him," said Duncan. "But to me, he lives on in the shape of the flower now blooming."
If anyone can help Mr Davies identify the bloom they can contact him on 01706 290599.
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