While strolling through one of my favorite garden centers, I noted several pots of Ornamental Millet. The leaves almost look like corn stalks. The plant now in bloom, has dark purple flower spikes studded with small millet seeds.
This plant attracts birds and other wildlife to your garden.
More Information on Ornamental Millet
In checking online sources, millet is one of the world’s oldest cultivated grains. Millet has been cultivated in Africa and India subcontinent since prehistoric times. Millet seeds often are in birdseed mixtures.
Back in 2003 the ornamental millet “Purple Majesty” received a 2003 All-American Selection Gold Medal. Interestingly, the prestigious AAS Gold Medal is a rare honor reserved for true breeding breakthroughs that set a new standard in horticulture. It is a rare honor to receive this award with only one or two given out per decade.
Parakeet on the Run
I remember our parakeet, as a treat, liked to eat millet sprays which are rich in carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber. The seeds on a stalk, provide fun and mental stimulation for the bird.
Speaking of our blue parakeet sometimes we would hang his cage outside on nice days. That way he could get a little fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. However, one sad day we discovered he was missing. We securely locked his cage door with a close pin.
Previously, we forgot that cage had three or four cut bars. Our strong parakeet managed to pull back the bars which allowed him enough space to escape into the wild. Unfortunately, we never saw him again. We hope he had a good life. I guess the call the wild was just too much to resist.
Ending Notes on Ornamental Millet Blog
Well, back to the ornament millet blog, to sum things up, I truly enjoy seeing different plant varieties and learning more about them. This striking, warm-season annual grass is bred from agricultural pearl millet. It thrives in full sun and summer heat and is highly drought resistant.
This ornamental plant provides vertical interest in garden beds.
Of special note, the mature seeds attract birds, and the fresh flower spikes look fresh in flower arrangements.
And not to forget that parakeets love to eat the seeds. That is, if you manage to keep your parakeet in the cage.
A Big Thank You to Merrifield Garden Center for allowing me to blog and photograph items in their store.
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