My golden aralia is worth every crown I paid for it: After a scorching Summer in hot afternoon sun, and with no supplemental watering either—none!—it isn't faded, splayed, tattered, scorched, or in general Tired Of The Effort.

It is, in short, just what one would fantasize every perennial would be:
On display from April through October without respite but also without complaint; smiling at the audience all the while, but without freezing into either parody or boredom.

And then, it decides that even this generously-bountiful performance is still not sufficient: So it blooms.

Interesting more than showy, true. But, true to form, energetic and enthusiastic, glad to greet you and say (in its own obscure wording, true) "Thank you, oh gardener, for bringing me into this magical new land. My goal is to please you only more, year by year by year."

To which I bow down in abashed humility. No, thank YOU dear Sun King. I am forever grateful. Please let me know whatever I can do to make your stay here more enjoyable as well as extended. Thank you. Truly.