Botanical climbers
I’m not talking about the always effusive ‘Altissimo’ climbing rose or an over zealous Jasmine vine. I’m talking about social climbing in the garden world, mostly seen in plant descriptions on website and online nurseries. Here’s an example of what I mean:
“Clematis are the aristocrat of climbers; their rich hues and varied bloom times enable the gardener to have masses of bloom from late winter to late fall. “
I’m assuming they mean that clematis is hobnobbing with nobility, spending “old money” and purchasing vast acres of land? The latter being why they sprawl out so much?
In any event, this got me thinking about my own social class and where I would fit in. Is my gardening style and plant preference indicative of French Revolution or kombucha-pushing Berkeley farmer? Am I a lady who lunches kind of gardener, or an antiquated clodhopper?
I’ve tried to get in with the Boronia crowd. A few years back I had a brief but thrilling affair with one in my old garden, but since never have really tried to rekindle anything. It’s a botanical social circle I just don’t seem to fit into – they have uptight drainage needs, and I have an unacceptable amount of clay soil. Rhododendrons are another class I just can’t get with. We’ve both actively tried to spend some time together, rubbing shoulders at landscape design events and garden parties – I’ve even made the gesture of planting some for a few clients. But neither one of us feels at home with the other, keeping our guards up and realizing things could end badly.
I’d like to think it’s not my style to climb a social class, but rather to sprout a new one. Cultivating one part cover crops, one part annies annuals, another part heirloom veggie seed with a smattering of vertical succulent growing. Oh, and mushroom compost.
A flute of cuvée de prestige doesn’t hurt either.
20 Responses to “Botanical climbers”
Botanically Belize
I had a Boronia for a while too. Didn’t last long. One really great spring, a less exciting one the next year, and then I gave up on it. And I agree about Rhododendrons. They don’t fit in around here.
I have the same story with boronias; perhaps they are simply short lived? I do sort of think that clematis hobnobs with royalty- given how well they look and how often associated with the Queen of flowers.
Boronia is supposed to be really fussy with their root growth – similar to bougainvilla. They live for about two years for me… then hit a hard pan of clay and decline. The scent is incredible though.
I’ve had my Clematis and Rhodie days…but today, I think I fall squarely between kombucha-pushing Santa Cruz farmer, and antiquated clodhopper
I’m not big on stereotypes or labels, and have had it with fussy plants, however beautiful or fragrant they might be. I’m not into garden snobs or high-falutin plants, aristocracy or hort couture.
If I had to label (limit) myself, I’d say I’m a native-loving, seed-starting, heirloom-veggie growing, organic-only, worm-composting, kefir-drinking hot mama (and grandmama!)
“I’d like to think it’s not my style to climb a social class, but rather to sprout a new one.”
LOVE this sentiment.
This plant is beautiful and I adore the way it is described. You make nature seem so much more magical and ALIVE than I’m used to thinking!
I really think I’m a bit of a daisy or a zinnia. Simple, easy care and pretty happy with my lot in life.~~Dee
You are fabulous.
xo
Eco Mama
I totally adore your website and the photo is so pretty. Have a great Thursday
Kisses
Ps: thanks for the sweet comment:)
Hi DGG!
Nice blog – great design. I agree with you. I am not great with fussy plants either, but I try
Thanks for popping by my blog – the beaver situation around here is a bit much – and I’m not talking about when my girlfriends and I get together for wine.
Love your website and am drooling over your products!
It’s nice to meet someone else who likes to have one hand in the dirt and another mixing drinks. Cheers!
Love this post! I think of roses and clematis as being old-money, too. But then again, old-money can be ridiculous fun. So what the hell! Grow it all.
xo
Andrea
PS: Thanks for your comment on my site. I think I will use the necklace for bourbon. Wish it held a little more!
I thoroughly enjoyed your extended literary dalliance with class-conscious needy plants– very amusing! And thanks for stopping by my blog recently.
–Kate
Appreciate climbers but not my thing … I do like plants that like me
The MG: “dalliance”… nice one.
I think I’m a plain Jane daylily kind of gal. But I lust after the rose class.
I wanted to become an atheist but I gave it up. They have no holidays
stevie – I agree.
many thanks I liked your write-up
Awesome website Thanks for posting.