More Flower Varieties Appreciated

What gorgeous weather here today after a week of cool, drizzly, stormy weather. I finally planted some perennials I bought quite a while ago. I have moved them in and out of the garage, trying to protect them from the high winds and torrential rains that have come through. I still have petunias and ageratum I need to plant, but I got hot and decided to sit inside where it’s cool and write this instead. This year I am trying to buy annuals only for the flower pots that sit on the deck and put perennials in the flower beds. It’s incredible how much a person can spend on making a flower pot look nice.

Part of the problem with knowing when to quit buying flowers is that there are so many different varieties available now. Years ago it seemed like a person could buy petunias and plant zinnias and that was about it. Now, when I go to the greenhouse, there are such unusual and beautiful specimens that it’s difficult to decide what to plant.

I did hear on NPR the other day someone talking about how homeowners should try to plant native plants and flowers. He gave two reasons: (1) they are easier to raise in the climate to which they are native and (2) it keeps the U.S. from looking so homogenized. After I thought about it, I realized what he said is true. The big chain stores sell the same kinds of plants all over the country—so whether you live in Vermont or Kansas, the same plants are available. We need some more variety!

By Carla Hedstrom
Meaningful Meanderings Blog