Zinnias and Memories

  Every now and again, something strikes a chord and memories start flooding back in wild abandon.  This morning as I strolled about the storm battered gardens, a lone zinnia held its head high and wafted on the gentle breeze.  The purple bloom was in its full glory with the bright morning sun beaming down on it.  In its center, the flower wore a circlet of gold which proclaimed it as "Prince of the Garden".  (I figure I have enough queens and princesses and a sole "king" skink so it is about time for a prince to appear.) 

  This purple zinnia started the memory flow and from there, it just took on a life of its own.  For the rest of the walk through the gardens, memories of Pop filled the brain.  Good memories...happy memories...times I never wish to forget.  You see, being a farmer, Pop always had lots to do with plants.  His fields were always impeccable and lush but his passion was his flower gardens.  He loved flowers of any sort and zinnias seemed to be a favorite.  These and petunias could be found in beds around the yard.   As a youngster, I walked with Pop as he tended the gardens.  He showed me the ins and outs of planting and caring for each plant.  He taught me the names and planting times.  He instilled in me a love for all growing things.  It is still there.

  Zinnias are some of the easiest garden flowers to grow and, once you get a start, the seeds can be saved for future plantings.  In fact, the seeds usually stay viable for several years after harvesting.  Also, as long as you dead-head the spent blooms, zinnias will fill the summer and fall with their colorful blooms. They make great, long-lasting cut flowers, too.  So...plant some zinnias and start some of your own memories!