Angel trumpets and missions

A friend of ours grew this angel trumpet, and she should be proud because they not easy to find (or grow) in our climate. I managed to keep one going for several years by lugging the pot in and out of the laundry room on freezing nights, but finally gave up. Although it is beautiful, all parts of this plant are very poisonous. This is one trumpet you don't want to blow, unless you're in a hurry to SEE the angels! :-)

The Datura Brugmansia grows into a big, beautiful, jaw-dropping tree in California. They remind me of the California Missions because you often see daturas blooming in the cloister gardens. Over several long California car trips, we managed to visit all 21 missions which are strung out at intervals along Highway 101 (the old "Camino Real") from San Diego north to Sonoma. John researched all the locations in advance-- most were easy to find, but others way off the beaten track. All these old missions are now historical sites, many have been beautifully restored and most are still working parish churches. They share a common history, but the architecture varies greatly from the rich and fancy Santa Barbara to down-to-earth San Miguel Archangel, with a vegetable garden and donkey named "Paco." We have favorites that we've visited several times, like Mission Sonoma, Mission San Diego and Mission San Juan Capistrano known for the swallows (and a fine taco stand across the street, if you ever go there.)

Anyway, thanks Tammy for sharing this picture, and hope you have good luck wintering it over.