To plant a garden is to dream of tomorrow: I’m so glad May has arrived
Can you hear the bees buzzing, feel the wind breezing, and smell the flowers blooming? It’s the middle of another lovely Spring here in Beaverton. As the lovely cliche goes, “April showers bring May flowers” and, boy, did we get some good rain last month. In fact, some of the flowers I planted last year are finally blooming because of the good rain we had! It’s awe inspiring that even after surviving the harsh weather of winter, they will still grow in spring.
Let me share with you some of my favorite flowers and their characteristics. Perhaps you’ll like them too!
- Forget-Me-Nots are dainty blue flowers that can live in any kind of weather throughout the year. Some species that you see in stores originate from Eurasia while others are native to Oregon. In fact, I saw some nice ones at the Jenkins Estate just the other day! Their five beautiful petals and yellow center are easy to recognize. Once they seed, they’ll grow abundant. I’ve been growing some of my own on our balcony and they are so lovely to look at. Forget-Me-Nots symbolize love and remembrance.
- Alliums have striking purple pompom-like flowers that grow back year after year. These perennials are native to Southern Asia as well as North America. Fun fact: green onions, leeks and garlic are common vegetables in the Allium genus that produce these wonderful flowers. My Dad planted the ends of green onions in a pot last year and over the summer, we were pleasantly surprised when a beautiful pompom appeared. Alliums symbolize are good luck and prosperity
- Sunflowers have an easily recognizable look with their many yellow petals. Although they don’t grow back each year, it’s worth it to enjoy them while they last. They are native to the Western US and Mexico, and can be seen in Oregon prairies, grasslands, and even along some roadsides. The best time to plant sunflower seeds is mid-April through May. They love the sun so much so be sure to plant them in a place where they can get a lot of it. Sunflowers symbolize happiness and loyalty.
I’m so glad that May has arrived. Not only do I grow plants on my balcony, in April, I also planted a variety of vegetables (peas, lettuce, potatoes, kale and spinach) at my outdoor school, Terra Nova. There’s something special about sowing seeds in spring and then watching them flourish over the summer. I wish you the best of success in growing your favorite flowers, too!
Mizuki Wong is a 10th grader at Mountainside High School. In their free time, they enjoy drawing, animating on YouTube, listening to music and learning about science.
