When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb
Why is it that we labor extensively over choosing flowers, planting them, locating them in what should be ideal spots, watering and fertilizing them, and even talking to them, only to have this happen:
These Violas looked so pretty when I bought them — shades of purple and yellow swaying in a gentle breeze.
Following the instructions that came with them, I provided a new home, with food and water. I hung them away from hungry bunnies and squirrels. I even put one of those whirly-gigs inside their pot to ward off birds who might have designs on building a nest there.
To no avail.
How was I to know Spring would bypass us completely, and a string of 90-plus degrees would play havoc with my plantings?
The other day, I glanced outside and look what I found:
This lovely Snapdragon, growing determinedly in a crack.
Between a rock and a hard place, if you will.
Not seeming to wonder when I was going to take care of it.
Or how.
Or even if.
Just trusting that Somebody would tend it properly.
There’s a lesson in that, I think.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
So weird how different things grow. I’ve basically killed a cactus and they’re supposed to be easy to care for.
Professor!! You’re still alive, and how awesome you’ve graced my blog with your presence — thanks! Are you back to blogging?? I know what you mean about cactus. I think mine died from overwatering. I suppose I should have ignored it, and it would have done just fine!
I came close to a few deaths, but i’ve returned. Yes, I think so. Just need to get to writing.
I hear lots of stories there, and I’m betting they’re most fierce and adventuresome. Put ’em down so we all can enjoy your feats!
I think plants get some kind of infection at the grower and there is nothing that can be done.
That sounds reasonable to me, John. Thanks for trying to ease my conscience!
Yeah. I’ve been there. Colorspot (the grower) is the worst.
They’re a cool weather plant, so it’s possible the heat got to them. It’s hard to say since I’m not there, but that soil looks pretty wet, too. Maybe they got over-watered because of the heat. I’ve done that a few times, and learned my lesson!
I just read your comment on my blog. That cycle of heat/rain with added, continual humidity could do it for sure!
Very little (except corn) is growing prettily this year. My hydrangea, crepe myrtles, roses — all look very shabby. However, the corn is already tasseling and standing so much taller than I am. That “knee high by the Fourth of July” saying was tossed out a long time ago!
Linda, I think you’re right. I’ve never tried Violas before, and I probably did overwater because of the heat. Or maybe the pot didn’t have sufficient drainage. On a positive note, they were something like 50 percent off when I bought them, so their demise won’t break the bank, ha!
If people quit tending to the ground, the things of the ground will take back over. That’s how we find temples in jungles that are thousands of years old. I loved this post. Made me think a bit. I like that.
Tim
Tim, thanks so much for your kind words! I’m glad to post something that gives you cause to pause and think. Perhaps Mother Nature is a better carer than we are, despite our best intentions!
Keep trying, Debbie!
I will, Miss A. Oddly enough, there are several blooming Snapdragons in the ground beneath where this pot of Violas was. Hmm, methinks a bird might be involved!
Debbie, that Snapdragon is sooooooooo pretty! Doesn’t it totally amaze you how a flower/plant/or grass can grow its way through something like concrete, and blossom?? It just goes to show how hearty and strong nature can be.
So sorry to hear about your Violas. The seasonal weather has been so strange these past years, hasn’t it? Spring and Fall are pretty much non-existent. It seems that winter and summer are the only two definite seasons.
Which reminds me, we are in the midst of a major heatwave here on the East Coast. Temps over 100 degrees these past several weeks. UGH!
Hope you’re having a fab week, my friend!
X
P.S. Sorry I’ve not been online lately, but I lost my internet and phone service for over a week because of a major outage. I just got them both back today.
Ron, I’m sorry about your lack of internet/phone service. That’s a MAJOR inconvenience, isn’t it? We rely so much on technology these days to keep us in tune with what’s happening around the world.
And boy, do I feel for you with the heat wave! We’ve had several this summer already; no wonder the lakes are full, and the plants are struggling. Dallas has become a pro at claiming one of the A/C vents all for himself, then draping across it to soak up the cool!
Glad you liked my Snapdragon. I repotted it in the Violas pot, and it’s doing just fine, blooms and all! xo
This looks like the remains of a pansy. They like it to be cool and get all leggy and end up dying when it gets hot. This is not your fault. Or at least you should try not to blame yourself. Just plant something else in that pot…annuals should be on sale now. Some perky marigolds or trailing petunias might work.
Great idea — thanks for the suggestions (and for easing my guilt!!)
Don’t know what to tell you, Debbie. If I so much look at a plant it tends to die.
Poor Pat. Well, that’s okay, my friend — not everybody has a green thumb! I think I probably over-tended this one.