The century plant is like an aloe plant on steroids. It's enormous and awkward, but after about 30 years of growing, it blooms, performing an remarkable swan song of sorts. A huge bloom shoots up from the center of the plant, as tall as a row house, like something out of Dr. Seuss books.

There is one in bloom over on Coming Street, and I've been meaning to take a few photos for awhile now. Finally stopped by on Monday, and ever so glad I did.