Published July 3rd, 2024
Digging Deep with Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian
By Cynthia Brian
Midnight blue agapanthus shine in the July landscape. Photo Cynthia Brian
"Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly. "One must also have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." Hans Christian Andersen

When we think of July, Independence Day looms large. Parades, barbecues, family gatherings, music, pool parties, fireworks, and flying the red, white, and blue are all part of the entertainment.

We have plenty of sunshine and since just living isn't enough, what do freedom and flowers have in common?

Both are linked to beauty and an enhanced lifestyle. Flowers connect us to nature and thrill us with their glorious colors, textures, forms, and scents. The beauty of freedom is that we live life with ease. We make choices, feel liberated, and can express ourselves without fear. Both flowers and freedom are fleeting and fragile. They are not free. If we don't care for and protect these precious gifts, they will wilt and die.

To celebrate our national pride, have fun with what I call "freedom" flowers, fruits, vegetables, and accessories that reflect our loyalty to "Old Glory". Plant an American flag garden with a pattern using red and white flowers for the stripes, with blue flowers punctuated by small white flowers to mimic the stars. Create a patriotic theme in a mixed border with large blocks of the three colors, or decorate with curated urns and containers. Add string lights that flicker red, white, and blue, place tiny American flags throughout the garden, or raise a large banner on a flagpole as a focal point. Add a red birdhouse and incorporate windchimes or statuary in unexpected places in the landscape that complement the theme. Don't forget festive tablecloths, patio pillows, and blanket throws as decorative and utilitarian elements! Add nutrition with bowls of fruit, and platters of vegetables with dips and chips for a cheerful culinary celebration.

Here are a few ideas for the flowers, fruits, and vegetables to utilize in your garden, plant in pots on your patio or porch, and decorate for this July holiday.

Here are a few ideas for the flowers, fruits, and vegetables to utilize in your garden, plant in pots on your patio or porch, and decorate for this July holiday.

Choices for RED include:

FLOWERS

Roses

Salvia

Hollyhocks

Impatiens

Petunias

Zinnias

Snapdragons

FRUIT

Cherries

Plums

Watermelon

Strawberries

Apples

Raspberries

Red grapes

VEGETABLES

Tomatoes

Red bell peppers

Chili peppers

Radishes

Red potatoes

Red onions

Rhubarb

Choices for Blue include:

FLOWERS

Hydrangeas

Bachelor Buttons

Iris

Forget-me-nots

Lobelia

Delphiniums

Agapanthus

FRUIT

Elderberries

Concord grapes

Blueberries

Damson plums

VEGETABLES

Blue corn

Choices for White include:

FLOWERS

Magnolias

Petunias

Roses

Gardenias

Lilies

Peonies

Impatiens

FRUIT

White peaches

White mulberries

Thompson seedless grapes

VEGETABLES

Cauliflower

Jicama

Turnips

Garlic

White onions

Fennel bulb

Parsnips

Although it is a little silly, I like to sparkle on our country's birthday. The marvelous memories of the past fourth of July family and friend gatherings bring big smiles to my face. As I read historical biographies, I am cognizant of the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who helped in our fight for freedom from 1776 until the present. Did they enjoy some of the same flowers, fruits, and vegetables that we relish today?

Just living is never enough. Oscar Wilde may have said it best. He wrote, "With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?"

Appreciate the sunshine, the moon, the flowers, and our freedom.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Independence Day!
Impatiens in red and white are excellent freedom flowers. Photo Cynthia Brian
Alpine strawberries are a delicious addition to salads. Photo Cynthia Brian
Blue elderberries look elegant on display and are delicious in jams. Photo Cynthia Brian
Blue urns are highlighted by white and red petunias. Photo Cynthia Brian

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Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA