A confession needs to be made: I am not a good gardening guru columnist. My writing is not the ideal “Top 10 Tips for Plant Survival!” Rather, these articles are a growing self-reflection shared with the public, hoping that someone out there might find it a little relatable and take heart. Gardening is hard.
Take it from my experience as a “young-ish” gardener with a hint of extra insight into the world of horticulture. For me, gardening is an experiment. There is constant change, and even when I find myself quite finished with a project (whether it be from frustration or satisfaction), I also find myself eager to try again.
In the face of failure, I always remind myself that at the very least, the plant survived longer than a vase of cut flowers. It allows me to turn over another leaf and try again. Success, on the other hand, is much harder to deal with. This year, my summer annuals did last longer than cut flowers, and I had many successful battles in the garden. But the blooming season as a whole left me beat. It has been hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. While I relish a sunny morning and a long hanging basket season, this summer has me hanging up my sun hat early. It feels backward; my baskets look wonderful! Yet, I am ready for fall.
The question is, how does one properly mark the start of fall? Is it that moment when you close the door after school drop-off and step into the peaceful silence of an empty house? Perhaps you are a traditionalist, and you mark the start of the season with the autumnal equinox? Or do you break all the rules and start your fall celebrations with the introduction of all things pumpkin in store? For me, it is the arrival of pansies.
So what is the big deal? A pansy is nothing special. They have been around since my grandma, and my grandma’s grandma. A small little plant with a simple flower. What does a pansy do that could demand a position so extreme as heralding in a new season? The answer… the pansy endures.
Appearing at the end of the heat waves, pansies will carry you all through the winter. They keep blooming through the most undependable weather, taking on rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Planting such a success is a guaranteed boost to your gardening mojo. In the darkest days, the pansy shines through.
So, the pansies arrive, ushering in a new season. As your baskets start to wear down, or you simply get tired of summer, think of your next great experiment: autumn. Join us to chat over a slice of pie about what is happening in your garden on Sunday, September 20th. The Garden Corner will be hosting a Pansy and Pie Social at our coffee bar. Come eat pie, celebrate your successes, share your disappointments, and learn more about the power of pansies in fall plantings.
