Yes, I said it, garden snobbery. You know the type if you have ever been on a garden tour. They walk around your garden and breeze through in just minutes. Only last week Steve Whysall wrote about this topic and I couldn’t agree more. You can read his article here. It’s hard enough getting a garden ready to show but to have someone tsk-tsk your garden can be very deflating. They are also the ones who see the one weed you may have missed in your garden. These plant connoisseurs can’t believe you don’t have the most coveted plants in your garden yet. Why if you even dare to have a few Geraniums or Marigolds, oh, how common are thee?
Well I have something to say about this. Every gardener is different and we should enjoy that. If someone loves Geraniums, why not let them go ahead and plant to their heart’s content. Many grow them from seed and carry them over from year to year. There are many specialty Geraniums that are not seen in the garden centers. Who are we to judge others tastes? Geraniums which are really Pelargoniums are tough plants blooming all summer long. They are great for beginning gardeners as they bloom for such a long time.
And what about those Marigolds? It’s funny how such a tough little plant can last for so many years in the garden industry. Many annuals come and go but this one has staying power. It blooms right into November here on the west coast and comes in many different colours. You can collect the seeds from these plants in the fall and grow your own the next year. I say long lasting blooms are a winner in my garden.
Who are we to judge what gardeners plant? We should be encouraging them to just grow whatever they want. To learn more about this topic, Steve Whysall will be presenting at the BC Home and Garden Show from Feb 20-24. Be sure to check out the list of great garden speakers. Spring is just around the corner and this will get you motivated to get outside and growing.
Posted by Nell Jean on February 19, 2013 at 9:02 am
I would much rather see your garden with great shows of marigolds and other drifts of beauty than the plant snob’s single struggling rare plant here and there in a sea of background greenery.
Posted by Leona on February 19, 2013 at 12:00 pm
I agree wholeheartedly, and I love to grow the common petunia
Posted by Helen at Toronto Gardens on February 20, 2013 at 6:30 am
I agree: Every gardener *is* different, and we should enjoy that.
Posted by Louise on February 20, 2013 at 8:09 am
I agree!! A garden is a personal expression, not to be looked down on. The commonest plants are often the most loved.