We've all heard of heirloom seeds, most especially with heirloom vegetables. But in browsing through my "garden pile" at the end of the couch, I found an interesting article about heirloom annuals. So get a cup of tea and I'll tell you about it.
Heirloom annuals take us to a gentler, softer time in the garden. These old-time annuals made a more tender impression in the bygone garden: the colors were softer, and the impact of the flowers was not immediate but more gradual, more subtle. Now we have dazzling colors, bold leaves, and striking textures that say "look at me right now!". But heirloom annuals are a little more shy, not always making direct eye-contact at first, but still catching your eye eventually in a more flirtatious way.
These are the flowers that grew years ago in your Grammie's garden. The seeds were likely traded among neighbors, or shared with visitors who came from far-away places like Brandon.
I remember many years ago, my Auntie Zonie giving Mom some seeds in an old envelope, sharing what she received from a visitor from Brandon. That made the seeds even more special, since they came all that way! And surely they must be something unique that we didn't have here! I don't recall what the seeds were, but I know that Mom took great care to nurture them in her garden.
So what are some heirloom annuals? They're old favourites that are sometimes, like many of the best things of life, get overlooked because they are so reliable and gave always been there. These old gardening friends include nasturtiums with their flying-saucer leaves; velvety salpiglossis in deep jewel tones; fragrant nicotiana; colorful, cheerful four-o'clocks; the soft, muted color of love-lies-bleeding; glistening lavatera; bright as sunshine gloriosa daisies; the peeking blooms of balsam; airy, fluffy bachelor buttons; the elegant trumpets of morning glories; and the beautiful blooms and tender tendrils of the sweet pea. All these great flowers deserve to be grown and cherished: they are hardy, dependable, and beautiful. Keep them in mind for next year, and when you see them in the seed catalogues, order a package or two. You may think of them as "been there, done that", but they are plants that will not disappoint!
I just want to tell you about our Japanese tree peony; it was stunning this year, with eleven crinkly, crepe-paper blooms that were bigger than my hand. We have had the peony for about 25 years, and this is the first time it gave us such a show. The conditions must have been just right; I wish we knew what they were so we could try to replicate them again. But whatever caused this garden wonderment, it was a joy to go out each day and see such exotic beauty. This tree peony is not hardy to our zone; luckily, it doesn't know that, and keeps growing year after year! So don't be afraid to push the envelope a bit and try a plant that is a bit of a challenge. Successes do happen!
Someone asked me about the bus tour to Neepawa in July; to find out if any seats are still available, please call Liz at 782-2830. This is a one day trip to see the Lily Festival; I have heard wonderful things about the Festival, so I know it will be a really nice day trip for all of us. If all the seats on the bus weren't filled by horticultural society members, the remainder were going to be available to other interested gardeners. Liz can tell you what is left on the bus.
The garden changes every day now; make sure to take a tour each day and enjoy your garden! Be sure to wear a hat. Have a good week!
