With April Fool’s Day this week, I find myself reminiscing about a fabled article from the legend himself, my esteemed predecessor at Sunnyside Nursery, Mr. Steve Smith. The Whistling Gardener pontificated about the mythical “wonder shrub” for April Fool’s Day many moons ago - luckily before my time at Sunnyside Nursery. From what I have heard, many local gardening gurus came to seek out this new treasure; the miracle plant that was evergreen, bloomed all year, offered fragrance, was super hardy, never needed water, got no bugs or diseases and grew anywhere in the garden (even clay) with zero maintenance. All of us need such a creature without a doubt, but those who came in search of one were ultimately disappointed. Come on now gardeners, having some fun should always acceptable! I will not torture you and avoid going down the road of the “wonder maple”, “wonder conifer” or any other mysterious new plant… although it would be in the spirit of the holiday.
Now, I have been called many things throughout my over thirty years of running nurseries (some of which I could never type), but among my favorites is being referred to as “the plant enabler.” One of my all-time cherished customers, Darlene (who is a certified Japanese maple addict, by her own admission) was purchasing her umpteenth maple from me years ago, and simply looked at me and said, “You are trouble. I want them all, and you are a plant enabler.” At first, my younger self was not sure if I should be offended, but as I thought about it I smiled, just as I do now. To provide gardeners with both quality plants that make them smile and sound advice is an absolute pleasure for any horticulturist, as selling success is what we strive for and hopefully attain the vast majority of the time. When we help folks get the right plant in the right place, educate them on how to care for it and then pair that with quality organic fertilizers and soil amendments, that breeds success for any gardener. Then we all can smile from ear to ear with sheer gardening bliss.
Spring is the easiest time to be a true plant enabler at the garden center since fresh spring goodies are everywhere. This also means it is simultaneously every plant addict’s dream and the perfect time to plan excursions to visit their local plant enablers. New flavors of this, old-fashioned varieties of that, plant goodness is everywhere - eye candy for gardeners and leafy temptations around every corner. Colorful foliage is popping as deciduous plants emerge from dormancy. Spring-flowering plants are in full swing, getting the bees buzzing and our yards full of flower power. Perennials everywhere are awakening from their winter hibernation, promising rewarding growth and flowers soon. Selection is approaching maximum and availability is optimal as your local enabler can surely find whatever gardening treasures you need. I would say leave the credit card at home, but what fun is that? Walking around a garden center in spring can be cathartic in some respects and you will certainly breathe in some of the beauty that surrounds you. Try to remember that improving your landscape adds value, both aesthetically and monetarily, so investing in the garden is both wise and rewarding.
I am not here to convince you to buy any “wonder shrub” today, but this discussion is a great lesson for us all, including me. Perfection in the garden or with any plant is simply unattainable (as I remind myself as much as possible both at home and at work). We can get close sometimes… maybe, but nature at its core is imperfect and will always throw us gardeners for a loop in some way. Here comes the rain, aphids on my new growth, powdery mildew, a juicy slug, or maybe the family dog just dug up the peony. Believe me when I say that you are not alone, but rather a true gardener working through the trials and tribulations that we all face season to season. Take a deep breath, smile, and roll with it. Seek out some advice if needed and allow a local plant enabler (aka Certified Professional Horticulturist) to help solve your garden dilemmas. We can all strive for our own “perfect” garden oasis, but it is the time outdoors toiling in the soil (and hopefully sunshine) that is truly important.
Whether you are creating spaces and gardens that might challenge even the grizzled veteran gardener among us, keeping things simpler as a beginner, or anything in between, get out there and bond with your garden. Gaze upon spring in its full glory and admire all of the glorious specimens in your gardens. All that matters is that each gardener loves their creative spaces and the plants they have chosen to thrive within those spaces. When you are ready, come in for a visit as us plant enablers are always ready and waiting at your local garden center. We can guide you, helping you find those “wonder plants” that will add some pop to your very own garden. There is no guarantee, but trust me, it just might help ease those cravings… from one plant addict to another.
