There is a certain Agave parryi plant (who also answers to the common nickname "century plant," especially when exclaimed in a sing-songy yet sincere voice on overcast Wednesdays) that has bloomed in front of the main building of the Highlands Center! Nearly every part of this plant has been utilized for thousands of years. The central "heart," stems, and leaves make for nutritious snacks when properly prepared. Young flower stalks yield sweet juice which can be fermented and distilled to make certain spirits. The leaves, which contain compounds for soapmaking, can also be purposed for making ropes. The Agave parryi plant sends up a stalk which can grow up to 20 feet (growing up to 4 inches per day!) once they reach 10-30 years old. After fully blooming, the plant will die, but will leave behind vegetative offshoots or "pups" to replace the parent plant. Come on out to the Highlands Center and watch our go-getter century plant continue to display its life's work! -Maria, HCNH Education Director (fb)

School is out, but everything is in bloom at the HCNH Schoolyard Habitats! Photos by Hannah, HCNH Schoolyard Habitat Coordinator (fb)