I adore your sunny faces and how wonderfully you make the garden alive with color. You kept me smiling through the horrid summer weather and bloomed your heart out! Thank you!
But, we do have to talk! Some of you, and I am speaking directly to you Ms Goldie Fulgida, have gotten a bit too pushy and have crowded out your less extroverted cousins. Poor Ms Hirta has hardly shown her face in several years. Sweet Henry Eilers Subtomentosa whispered to me that you were way too bossy and he was thinking about decamping. I've been planning on inviting Rudie Fulgida (to see the family tree go to var fulgida) to the garden party. She's quite small for a member of the Rudbeckia clan and a real late bloomer. You might scare her away. Btw, did any of you even notice Max, he's the tall fellow in the back, you just rushed past him in your haste to take all the best spots? My dears, I take total responsibility. I've let you go and have hardly reigned you in!
We've had a grand time at the garden party. But, I'm wondering if a new host or two might be needed? Mix it up; add some bio-diversity. If it's just you, me and your bff, Goldenrod, we're going to lose the party animals. It wouldn't be the same without the Bees and Butterflies. You've got to admit when the Bumbles party they are the first here and the last to leave. A successful garden party season needs a lot of guests. Can't you picture it? ~A party from spring to frost! What a crowd we'll have.
You need a break. You've had all the glory, but, with it, all the responsibility. To be the life of the garden party is a enormous pressure!
You don't fool me~So stop pouting! You know you want the company! You get along beautifully with Phlox and the burgundy that Hibiscus likes to wear is a good compliment to your sunny nature. Did you notice The Waiting Bench is painted purple? Just for you! Imagine the drama next summer! It's very near the color of some of the asters and liatris that keep you company.
 |
| Vernonia lettermanii |
Let's take the winter to think it over; give us all some space. We can get together next spring. I'm sure by then we'll have a clearer vision of the party season and who else we need to include.
xxooGail
Ms Goldie looks like the kind of girl who can hold her own at any party. Perhaps the new arrivals can meet over tea and cake get-togethers until they feel strong enough to take her on!
ReplyDeleteDear Gail, What a delightful post . . . A loving reality chat with your beloved Susans. Very Clever! I too have been adding some more native beauties. I look forward to seeing your now purple bench surrounded by complimentary Susans along with a few more secondary and tertiary blooms. ;>)
ReplyDeleteDear Gail, I smiled with each word! You have a way of speaking so kindly when what you are saying is "Get Out!". Those other party animals will add the diversity to extend the blooming season for sure. What a wonderful capture of Lettermann! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
It's good to have these little chats now and then, rather than just continuing on in our dysfunctional familiar patterns.
ReplyDeletePeople push you as far as you let them and the same can be said for Ms. Goldie, I fear. She is delightful though.
ReplyDeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteDo you think you can come have a chat with the mistflowers and the butterfly gingers over here? :)
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi Gail, I love this post! It's so nice to hear you "speaking to" the plants as if they were people. Your photos are very inspiring to me as is your use of natives. I wish my gardens looked as nice as yours!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to see what you do next year to add another colour to the border - should be exciting
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you've had that talk. Sometimes, susans just don't realize they're coming across so brash. I hope your party is as fun as you're planning.
ReplyDeleteMy Susans need a good talkin to too. They have ran over some Veronica and even some liatrus. Bad Girl.
ReplyDeleteLOL, my Susans are equally aggressive here, even in shade. I guess I should have a talk with them, too. Love the Vernonia lettermanii by the way. (Look! Two comments in one day! I'm hoping to keep up better now!)
ReplyDeleteHmmm... It's kind of a toss up isn't it, Gail? I mean she looks great dominating her own corner of the world but perhaps the caretaker would like to break up the party a bit and let Susan take a break from the spotlight. I look forward to seeing your decision.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. Talking to one's garden has importance. The garden does listen.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the Susans listen, especially since you asked them so nicely to share their space. Remember when I didn't have any Susans? In just their second season here, they have started to take control of the butterfly garden, too. Funny, I only invited two or three to the party. If they invite more of their relatives next year, and the false dragonheads and asters invite theirs, I'm afraid we may in violation of local fire codes for maximum occupancy:)
ReplyDeletePanicums or other grasses are good companions because they're tough and won't wilt in the face of root competition.
ReplyDeleteThey look great! Much better than our Susans right now. We had our first frost last night, did you get one over there as well?
ReplyDeleteGail, I loved this post. You had me smiling all the way through. Here it's 3-Way Susan, R. triloba, that hogs the corner bed. Her flowers are smaller and more numerous but she is quite the good-time gal: she spreads her favors all over! I had to rein her in last week but I have no fear it will keep her down for long!
ReplyDeleteFun post Gail! I'm sure you can squeeze in some more locals. Even if Ms Goldie Fulgida is a bit pushy, I still can't help but be in awe as to how well your Susan's are doing! They never grew well for me in the past, so I gave up.
ReplyDeleteOoh, let me know how you make the room. Brute force I'm guessing. I'm moving Ms Goldie plantlets all over the place. Now I'm realizing I'm just making more future work. Hmm. Love Ms Goldie but meek and humble she ain't.
ReplyDeleteI no longer know what variety my Susans are, but they are pitiful! One small little bunch that never spreads, and finishs blooming by late August. Heck, I'm not even sure it's still alive! So your pushy, bossy Susans would be welcome here.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your talk and the photos so much. The light in many of them is so soft and pleasing... do you have special times or conditions when you take your pictures? I seems like that tender time right before rainfall.
ReplyDeletehmmm, that's a tough call. Especially since she's doing so well. Diversity is great but what if the newcomers can't perform as well?? I leave it in your very capable hands.
ReplyDeletePerfect! A wonderful post. Make them share their space... a bit of diversity is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Lisa