Hollyhocks brought Color, Pollinators and a Few Surprises to Bagley

Hollyhocks brought Color, Pollinators and a Few Surprises to Bagley this past summer.  

Every summer, the Hollyhocks surrounding the 100-year-old former Bagley Hospital on First Avenue SW put on a colorful display, delighting residents and passersby for a number of years. This year was no exception.

Among the blossoms, two busy bees were captured gathering pollen, a reminder of the important role these beautiful flowers play in supporting pollinators.

The display has an interesting beginning. In the spring of 2024, three hollyhocks were purchased and planted together—one red, one pink and one white. Nature, however, had other plans. Only one plant grew in that location, producing beautiful blossoms with yellow centers fading into white and delicate pink outer petals.

The same three colors were planted in another location, but there, nature offered yet another surprise—blossoms in unexpected shades of peach and yellow.

In mid-July, one particularly unusual red hollyhock caught the eye. Its dramatically ruffled petals appeared to form multiple blossoms joined together, creating a striking display unlike the surrounding flowers.

Over the years, the hollyhocks have become a familiar seasonal attraction. Some residents even make a point of driving by to enjoy the display.

Part of their charm is their unpredictability. The hollyhocks seem to grow wherever they please, and each summer brings a slightly different arrangement of colors and blossoms.

It’s one of those simple pleasures of small-town life—a little beauty, a few surprises and another reason to slow down and enjoy what nature has to offer.

An Unusual Summer Surprise