CONFESSIONS OF A PLANT ADDICT

I don't remember planting that. Whatever happened to ....? Where did I plant....? Those are my gardening season laments. Only a true plant addict could understand the planting frenzy that takes place in my garden between last frost in May and first frost in October.

There are the plants from the garden centers that I can't resist even if I have no room for them. There are the "pass-alongs" that I can't say no to. And the volunteers, who would toss out a plant that elected that special place in your garden to take up residence. Why can't I keep track of what's growing in my own garden and why don't I know the names of every plant.

I've tried keeping a garden log. That lasted about one day. I kept a journal for about one week. I tried taking pictures of each plant as I planted. Aha, I never matched the photos with the plant tags. I've come to the conclusion that I'm unable to keep track because knowing exactly what plants reside in my garden beds is just not that important to me. I love surprises. I have no interest in the predictable or the mundane. I don't mind (too much) if Black-eyed Susans pop up in the middle my beautiful pink Turkscaps. Do I need to know the name of a plant to appreciate its beauty. I consider it fun and a challenge to search out the identity of the inevitable mystery plant.

Added to that, I like wildflowers, Chicory, Queen Anne's Lace, Milkweed, Goldenrod . Weeds, maybe to some, but I like to include them with my cultivated plants. Oh, and then there are the exotics. I love Brugmansia, Banana, Canna, all of the summer bulbs, anything unusual. Of course the exotics and bulbs require handling and care after the outdoor growing season. And then there are the houseplants, some of which are cuttings from summer annuals. Would you believe I've even collected a few Orchids.

Oh no, it's now becoming clear, my passion for plants is getting out of control. I'm becoming a four season plant addict. HELP!!

SUMMER BULBS

SUMMER HYACINTH PINEAPPLE LILY MEXICAN SHELL FLOWER


Most people are familiar with spring bulbs, lovely tulips and daffodils; fragrant hyacinths. These are the bulbs we plant in the fall and wait patiently to see bloom in the spring. If you're a gardener who likes more immediate gratification, you might look into summer bulbs. Summer bulbs are planted in spring and are usually in bloom by mid to late summer. Everyone looks forward to seeing the first gladiolus. Visitors to Farmers Markets can't seem to resist buying those tall colorful blooms available at many of the stalls. Dahlias are also popular, especially those with huge showy flowerheads. Cannas bring a wonderful tropical look to the garden. Caladiums are grown for their colorful foliage. BUT, have you seen Mexican Shell Flowers (Tigridia pavonia); Summer Hyacinths (Galtonia candicans); Pineapple lilies (Eucomis); or my favorite fragrant bloom, Peacock Orchids (Gladiolus callianthus). All of these are delightful and bring unusual flowers and colors to the garden as it's starting to wind down.