Colors In The Garden (Not Just Black & White)

The gloves are off and it is time to stop playing I wish as it refers to our gardens. A garden takes work and if you don’t have the patience to manage it and experiment with it stop wasting your money. The only option becomes find someone who loves flowers and knows how to coordinate them together in a variety of sun and shade situations.

OK, so have I been too rough. I don’t think so. You are all a bunch of wimps sitting around, going to home whatever you call it and picking out things that look pretty. No consideration of how long it will survive, how deep to plant it and what will it do to the surrounding environment (other plants and structures). You all make me so frustrated. In an attempt to save money and do it yourself, you waste precious time and money on the hope and WISH that the pretty plant from the store will do what you want it to do.

I will write it again out loud. I WISH, WASTES YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. The WISH is in the person who has proven to others, that they can make dreams come true. Ask around and find that individual and or company and if you are financially ready. Leap with all your visions, all your hopes, all your preconceived ideas and let the true artist and lover of all things growing convert your visions, hopes and ideas into garden realities. Oh my G-D, you would think I would learn how to hold onto an audience without all the over dramatic insanity. Well I can’t and I won’t.

Plants that all homes should embrace. This is my short list and I don’t fool around when giving suggestions.

Japanese Anemone

(2 feet tall and flowering in the late summer and early fall) Pinks and Whites are the choices that do it for me but there are other options. Always keep it simple and the same variety, whatever you choose.

Cranesbill (Perennial Geranium), (ground cover that can be tight to the ground or 18 inches high). All you need to know as a homeowner is that Rozanne is the most giving throughout the growing season with continuous displays of blue flowers. Moisture important and tolerates some shade. But don’t be fooled by the word tolerates. Likes to be showered with at least 4 hours of direct sun for greatest display (no one ever discussed the reality, they always hold on to the fantasy). Please rid yourself of the I wish and just make an attempt of it. Whatever it is.

Hakonechloa (Japanese Forrest Grass)

You can’t go wrong, sun or shade. This plant needs some moisture and some friends to hang out with in the garden and you will party every time you see it. It doesn’t make a difference if you have one variety or many. This plant will transform any area into a paradise you never would have imagined. The wind adores this plant, hopping to find it as a dance partner. The sun welcomes this plant, hopping to light up it’s leaves amongst friends.

Echinacea (Cone Flower), Not a plant for the front of the border but among the evergreens and Hostas this plant will light up July into August. Rising high and shouting out we are here, we are here, just like the Hoos in Hoosville (Cat in the Hat reference). A few nice colors and a number of interesting forms. The third year of planting, the display really broadens the horizon and reminds you why you made the investment.

There are other plants but these should challenge you for a while. No true plant demonstrates it’s potential until you live with it a few years. If you don’t have the patience or time for perennials’ annuals would be your greatest associates. But that conversation is for another day. Enjoy the heat and know that each and every moment that passes, we are enriched by the ongoing wonders of nature (most of which we don’t have the opportunity to witness).

Sit and be still in a grassy area or garden setting for at least 1 hour, once a week and see what wonders pass through your minds eye without fear. Stop for just a little while and cease being the enemy.

Just breath,   just breath,    just breeze,     just be.

Stop thinking and just do it. Wonders and amazements await.