I'm at rest for a moment. Contemplating on whether my Sumac Tigers Eye will return or will I once again please my husband and my grandmother's memory by planting Marigolds, Petunias and Geraniums in my 2011 flowerbed gardens??
The whisper of the more refined gardeners in my garden circle tell me that planting such ordinary blooms leaves little to the imagination. As they tour my garden and turn over every leaf with their meandering eyes, I get the impression that they are more interested and wowed by the double pond and stream creation than by my colourful and ordinary plant selections. Actually, their facial expressions expose the wonderment of where in the heck is the Astrantia (Masterwort) or the Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera or is it vice versa?) planted? To some extent I agree, my garden is far too colourful...not enough low lying/growing greenery. But, that's how my family likes it!
I have come to realize that I am not yet at the stage (yes, there are gardening stages) where planting involves muted colours (or maybe a punch or two of bright colour), various shades of green and variegated leaves. Heck, I just graduated from the planting only annual and perennials, to planting various garden shrubs. I'm progressing, really...I am.
I have promised these far more seasoned and educated gardeners, that in 2011, I will graduate to my next stage...plant more shades of green, whether it be perennials with very difficult Latin names to remember or annuals that have a more exotic appearance. However, one thing is for sure, whether they be in a container or planted by the side of the waterfall, Marigolds, Petunias and Geraniums will always have that special spot in my flowerbed gardens. My Oma would be proud.
