Why is it that we have no trouble expressing our dislikes, but when it comes to things we love, we're more reticent?
Why is it that we have no trouble expressing our dislikes, but when it comes to things we love, we're more reticent? Last year I conducted a poll in the office to see which plants were 'most hated' and blogged about the results. The response was incredible, with 95 comments to date.
But, as I tentatively start sowing seeds for my new garden, it strikes me that it would be nice to balance all that hatred with something that inspires us for the coming growing season. It's nearly Valentine's Day, after all.
I've never been fond of pink, blowsy daffs and gaudy geraniums. But I do love Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii. It's so beautiful I almost look forward to winter so I can see its berries, while large swathes of English bluebells make me feel that actually, everything's alright with the world. I also love watching bumblebees foraging in cranesbill geraniums, viper's bugloss and the mountain cornflower, Centaurea montana.
And in the office? The response wasn't as great - or as heated - as when I asked which plants my colleagues hated. Perhaps we prefer whipping ourselves into a frenzy over things we dislike, using plosive descriptions and plenty of exclamation marks. Being gentle and loving is never as exciting, is it?
Of those who did reply to my love poll, Kevin said he "wouldn't garden without" Verbena bonariensis, Anne and Vic declared a soft spot for peonies, Daniel can't decide between Parrotia persica and Crambe maritima, David currently loves Hedychium 'Stephen', Ross currently loves the parachute plant, Ceropegia sandersonii, and Guy loves trees. Just trees.
And what about you? Is your passion for plants you love as strong as for those you hate? Tell us about your most cherished plants. We might just inspire each other to try something different, if it ever stops snowing. Ooh I hate the snow...
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