Every plant tells a Story…

was interviewed recently for a trade magazine about my garden. As I gave the reporter a tour around my yard, she pointed out that I had stories about many of my plants. I guess I had never really noticed before as usually it’s just me and my husband walking around the yard. It made me start to think about all of my plants as well as my design style and how my experiences with plants have shaped my designs and the plants I recommend.

I tend to be a bit of a “homer” when it comes to plants and often use my personal favorites in my designs because I know that I can confidently tell my clients that they are tried and true. But I also suggest plants that can contribute to your garden’s story because they match you and your garden dreams –even if that dream is just having a low-maintenance garden that is pretty!

I strongly believe that your garden should be a reflection of you and your family, not just a chore we have as homeowners. It’s not something that you should feel you “have” to do but rather something that brings you joy when you interact with it – even if it’s briefly when you drive up the driveway.

It’s even better when your plants have stories. Maybe you planted something that reminded you of your mom’s garden. Have you planted a tree in memory of a deceased family member? Or perhaps you received plants from a dear gardening friend that when you see them, they make you smile and remember good times. Those things are all plants telling your story.

I’ll share some stories about some of my favorite plants, but I also want you to take some time to walk around your garden and think about your plants. I’m sure some are just fillers that either came with the house or were randomly selected, but even those can sometimes have stories if you listen. (They may be telling you to rip them out and replace them with something more fun!) And if you don’t have any plants that personally bring you joy, then stop at the garden center and treat yourself! It will be the start of something special in your garden, I promise.

Peonies

I am willing to bet that many of the peonies you see in yards have a story. In my own yard, I have a peony that was given to me by my parents, and it was given to them by our neighbor when I was growing up. By my calculations, the plant has to be at least 75 years old and has been divided and gifted many times! I have fond memories of being a kid and watching Marie tend to her rows of stunning peonies … with her always sharing her flowers with me.

Cosmos

I don’t normally plant tons of annuals, but I do love to plant some for cutting (and for butterflies). I have started planting zinnias and cosmos in my garden, and I have a bumper crop of flowers. I love my bright orange cosmos because they were given to me years ago by a dear friend. She collected the seeds from her own plants (sadly hers were always eaten by the rabbits, so for her to give up seed was even more special!). I have collected the seeds each year from my plants since then and replanted them every year. (I have TONS of seeds so if you want any – let me know!) I call them my “Jennifer” cosmos in honor of my friend. I always text her photos as soon as they start to bloom.

Iris

Another “old-fashioned” plant that many probably view as prolific weeds, but irises are a vintage plant through and through. I have started collecting new varieties, but I also have two clumps that are quite old. One clump came from my husband’s late grandmother – they are at least

50 years old and remind him of her enjoying a cup of coffee and the Cubs in a lawn chair. Another clump came from my aunt’s late mother-in-law, Dorothy, who had a beautiful farm garden that I remember visiting as a kid. These deep purple irises surprised me this year as I planted them late last year (and I was afraid it was too late!) – they bloomed this spring and made me stop and smile! I hope that soon all of my irises are old enough to divide and share with friends.

Hostas

OK, don’t roll your eyes, but I LOVE hostas! I had one client tell me he calls them the “rats” of the plant world, and while that made me snort laugh, it’s kind of true. They are tough and resilient and are in just about any place you see. Of course, there are some duds out there, but there are so many beautiful leaf textures and colors that I can’t help but collect them and stuff them in every shady corner I have. All of the hostas in my garden are from other gardeners. I may buy a few new ones this year, but I love getting them from friends and family. As an added bonus, many of them have nice flowers that are great for pollinators. One of my favorites is an old variety called Royal Standard. It’s a large, plain green leaf that is pretty common, but the flowers are spectacular – huge white flowers with a thick fragrance that is intoxicating in the mid-summer. The hummingbirds and bumblebees love it because it’s large enough for them to enjoy the nectar and pollen. Give hostas a second chance and pick out some unusual ones that you can someday share with someone … and thus, a plant story is written!

Meagan Provencher is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!