 | | | 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! |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA