As a good teacher gets to know her students as individuals, I have been studiously observing the flowers in our garden to learn their personalities and preferences, their quirky yet charming behaviors, and what makes them do what they do. After a period of attentive, almost obsessive observation, I have arrived at this conclusion: This must be a remedial class.
If I were marking report cards on these plants, I might include these remarks:
Geranium: Nosy. In the class for two years; shows repeated tendency to be a busybody in other plants' business. Behavior remains unchanged despite being moved to corner of garden.
Shasta daisies: Resilient, but do not share well. Numbers decimated last year by pests and gardener ineptitude; remaining two refuse to let anyone around them have their share of light and space.
Purple coneflowers: Demonstrate serious clique behavior. Now teens, the three have declared themselves Center of the Universe. Have subjugated the lone white coneflower, who is forced to run petty errands for them and keep pests away. Seem to feel threatened by recent introduction of second white coneflower.
Calibrachoa: Strong performers, but constant showiness suggests need for attention.
Dead nettle: Not performing to potential. Several considered forming rock band together, given their cool rock-band-sounding name, but were concerned geranium would want to join.
Fortunately, all is not hopeless. Even among this class, there are some signs of promise:
Star-shaped flower: Plucky. After suffering the indignity of having another flower planted almost on top of it, has refused to bow to domination. Is strongly considering petitioning for a move at end of season.
Blanket flower: Plays well with others. Pleasant personality, strong sense of self-esteem, constantly has hand raised for questions. A joy to have in class, thus will probably not live very long.
Is it fall vacation yet?
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