Patience
Updated: Nov 1, 2022
Have patience. I tell myself this everyday. When growing native perennials, having patience is a must. Most natives won't bloom the first year that you plant them. They need time to establish a healthy root system. I think that this is hard to understand for many gardeners first journeying into the world of perennials. They've been used to the annuals that are blooming beautifully in the greenhouse. Plants put a lot of energy into blooming. It's more important with the native perennials to establish a healthy plant, and thus, root system, the first season they are in the ground. When buying natives, don't necessarily buy the biggest plant, or look for blossoms, but look for new growth at the base. This indicates a healthy plant. So, patience, my gardening friends. Nurture the plants for the root system the first year. Go for the green. You'll be amazed at the flowers you'll get for years to come!
"Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
