First of all, do not have "garden envy". Sure your neighbors have a canopy of Wisteria and abundant aphid free Roses but you have something better, namely, a life. Those people with the perfect yards and abundant profusions of flowers, they are retired or at the very least, extremely unpopular.
Secondly, just because they sell something at the garden center or big box store doesn't mean it will grow in your yard. Those tempting arrays of plants are there to encourage conspicuous consumption, not to convey the practical realities of what will and will not grow in your yard. Hence the massive displays of annuals; annuals die off each year sending you running back to buy more each year.
Thirdly, do not buy plants based solely on love at first sight. Sure you think that Rhododendron is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen but there is no way it's going to grow in your heavy, rocky, grub infested soil. Let it go, move on, and when in doubt, buy Hostas.
And, finally, have realistic expectations. You are an attractive and intelligent person with a full life. There is no reason to drink an entire bottle of red wine or sullenly mope through your day just because all of your Begonia bulbs rotted. Some day--in 30-40 years--you too will retire and have a fabulous looking yard. Until then, keep your chin up and how about some lovely Impatiens?
No comments:
Post a Comment