I’m kicking myself — again. This time, it’s all because I forgot to bring my camera to a July 4th fireworks show. It would have been a great opportunity to play with the fireworks feature on my camera.
That’s what I was lamenting when I noticed these white begonia blooms. Kaboom!
The begonia story actually began last summer, when they were planted in a narrow strip along the north side of the house. Fast forward through a hurricane, freezing winter temperatures, a blizzard that dumped three feet of snow, and spring, when I noticed small green leaves poking up in a bed of dead begonias.
I’m a firm believer in no plant left behind. I carefully dug up the two sprouts and placed them in their own pot. If they (or their seeds) successfully overwintered, who am I to pluck them out of the ground? Not only do they deserve to live, but they should also be given a place of honor, a pot to call their own.
I may have missed my fireworks photo op, but I wasn’t about to let my personal “ooh and aah” moment pass me by. The biggest bangs often come from the tiniest of moments — and in this case, from the smallest of seeds.
And speaking of big bangs from small packages, a recent post referenced the garden gnome controversy at the Chelsea Flower Show. After a 100-year ban, garden gnomes were allowed to make a one-time appearance for the sake of a charitable fundraiser. Kate Southgate, of Notcutts Garden Center in Great Britain, provided me with this exciting graphic about the show.
All of this leads to the winner of the Gnomes and Garden Gnomes: A History giveaway. The two books go to Thanh Buu. Congratulations — and I will be in touch to arrange for sending the books to you.
In addition, I’d like to extend a special thank you to all of you for leaving your comments and for your support. In your honor, here is a garden firework caught at the start of its colorful explosion.
Canna.
Happy gardening!
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
I have the same philosophy: if a plant is determined to live, I let it. I admire tenacity. 🙂
We can certainly learn a lot from plants. Here’s to celebrating life and the will to live. 🙂
I love finding volunteers from last year’s plants.
I’m fortunate to have a 3rd generation of reseeded Grandpa Ott morning glories
on one of my lattice walls in my patio.
Hey Dennis. I love that you call them “volunteers” — and how nice that Grandpa Ott is still around. 🙂
Ha ! I found your blog ! I would do exactly the same as you did with your begonia ! If a plant is that determend to live you have to give them a chance !
Gwennie!!! Yup, you found me. 🙂 I had a feeling you would do the same. In fact, I think most gardeners would do the same — save the little survivor and give it a place of honor.
Yes, I think you are right !
Amazing isn’t it how plants just seem to thrive and grow when the conditions are right, no matter what nature (and man) throws at them. I never had any luck with Begonias, they always gave up on me, so I tend to steer clear of them.
Hi Graziella. I’m a seed starter, but I’ve always avoided begonias. Now I’m thinking if that little seed can survive a winter, it could surely survive my efforts. I do agree with you — it’s amazing how plants (and people) can thrive in spite of the obstacles.