Marvelous seasonal first

As always, the four o'clocks have appeared in all the usual places and a few more. They shoot up suddenly, and the first blooms have appeared, on a plant in the shade on the fig-tree side of the compost bin. Another common name for these sturdy returners is marvel of Peru, but, oddly, the scientic name means marvel of Jalapa. We've tried to establish other colors, but the one that returns faithfully is always the magenta version, although some plants are brighter in color and others are more faded. These are the same flowers that, if left undisturbed, are to be found in every Austin yard of a certain vintage. I'm rather fond of the soapy scent, despite myself.