“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 fun. This year is particularly important because of the forthcoming elections where freedom is on the ballot.
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 our flowers and freedom, 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 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 or plant in pots on your patio or porch.
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 the 4th. The marvelous memories of the past 4th 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!
Read The Lamorinda Weekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1810/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Freedom-flowers.html
For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available for discounted pre-sales at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com https://www.CynthiaBrian.com
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