Oh, those beautiful weeds!

   It occurred to me that my gardening skills sure are a lot different than most folks.  I garden as to what appeals to me and not what others push.  At least, I can say that the Small Gardens are interesting, if nothing else.  You never know what you might find lurking beneath the plants.  At any given moment, you may come across a ribbon snake, a few toads, frogs of all sorts, turtles, butterflies, moths, bees, birds, squirrels, rabbits and, if at night, raccoons...tons of raccoons.  Besides the numerous critters that are welcome, a goodly number of weeds are also on the "ok" list.

  Late this afternoon, I had to smile as I watched the goldenrod plumes nod with the breeze.  Honeybees were busy among the blooms which is always an added bonus!  I like goldenrod even though there are those who claim that it causes their allergies to act up.  I beg to differ...it does not...that is ragweed.  Goldenrod is insect pollinated so is not drifting about on the wind.  I leave the goldenrod wherever it grows and, in the fall, it is a glorious sight to behold!

  As I meandered through the Small Gardens, the wild ageratum or purple mist plant was putting on a delightful show with its blooms as it tried to attract butterflies and bees.  This, too, is considered a weed by many but, in my eyes, it is gorgeous and has every right to be on display.  The plants are perennials so other "garden annuals" are carefully planted between the rootstocks.  Marigolds and purple mist plants do well together so I try to remember this as I plant marigolds.

  Weeds!  Oh, those beautiful weeds!  Weeds that are the bane of most gardeners sit well in the Small Gardens and never disappoint with their lovely blooms.  Folks, never look down on things because you have always heard them described as "weeds".  Sometimes, those weeds outshine all others.  Be kind.