Even though they don’t rate as high on my list as roses, herbs and hydrangeas, forsythias do have a special place in my heart for several reasons.
REASON #1: Forsythia blooms signal it is time to give my roses their spring trim.
REASON #2: Just when winter is at it’s most dreary and I am ready to scream, out pops these bright, beautiful blooms.
REASON #3: Forsythia can be forced to bloom inside even before it is warm enough to bloom outside. Another late winter perk.
REASON #4 (And, the most special reason): My parents loved forsythia. As most of you know, my dad passed away recently and one of his last conversations about his yard was that he was looking forward to seeing the forsythia bloom. That now takes forsythia to another level!
I cut some of Dad’s forsythia in hope that I could force it to bloom for his memorial service but we didn’t have enough time. I brought those cuttings home with me and have them soaking in a healthy solution of Moo Poo Tea … so we will be seeing roots before we know it! And, more plants with a special history to add to our garden.
This spring seeing the forsythia bloom will mean more than ever–it will make me feel a little closer to my dad. And, it will remind me that it is time to get the roses trimmed and let the bloom thyme begin!
Other stories about my parents…
My Mom, Gardening and Red Lipstick
FORSYTHIA THIS & THAT…
- This shrub was named for William Forsyth (1737-1804), director of the Chelsea Physic Garden in 1770 and one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society of London.
- Super easy to grow and a true over-achiever, so give it some room!
- As with most one-time flowering shrubs, PRUNE AFTER BLOOM. New blooms will appear on the preceding year’s branches.
What is it about spring that you are looking forward to most?
When my neighbors crocus start blooming 2 or 3 weeks before any of the rest of us i know spring is close. This goes way back but when the dairy queen would reopen after being closed all winter that was encouraging Also when Jesse had his supermarket and would put out onion sets that would be even more encouraging.
Those are great memories Bee.
Beautiful recounting.
Teresa, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I know he was a special man. What a blessing it will be to see the bright blooms of the forsythia this spring and and all the springs that follow so to be reminded of all the happy moments you all shared.
So sorry to hear about your Dad, Teresa. It’s lovely that you will always associate him with the garden.
He was a great outdoorsman and had an amazing green thumb! I learned so much from him!
I’m sorry for your loss. Our gardens can bring us precious memories, and certain plants often remind me of someone. Every year when the forsythia blooms it will bring a special warmth to your heart.
I’m sorry for your loss, and celebrate your dear relationship with your father. How lovely that you can be comforted by the forsythia. Living plants bring special joy in the connection.
Thanks CurtissAnn. Saying goodbye is so very hard. But he and I did share a love of the outdoors and especially gardening.
I found the loss of my dear mother-in-law, with whom I was close, a sort of saying goodbye in the world, but not a final goodbye, more see-you-later, and I hear here all the time. I hear her voice on certain matters, support, advice, teasing, just as clear today. I nurture this, because it builds me up. Those who build us are never gone, they are part of us.
That is so true. He will always be with me. Thanks for sharing your story. So glad you still hear your mother in law. Very nice.
Teresa, so sorry for your recent loss..losing a loved one is never easy. Honoring your Dad this way keeps his memories in full blossom every Spring and close to your heart.
Thank you for your kind words. Both my parents loved to garden and I feel closer to them there.
What a lovely memory, thanks for sharing! I know you love roses and your story reminded me of pruning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmWVfpDGaac&feature=share&list=UUEd0UPicjMLHANuS5UDKvxA.
Thank you for sharing!
Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.I liked seeing his jacket in your shed. I have a fleece jacket of my dads’ that I always wear for cool weather gardening. It keeps me cozy and I think of him growing his tomatoes.
My dad loved to grow tomatoes too. He was a great outdoorsman. He loved my garden and I will always think of him there.
So sorry for your loss …. but what a lovely post and tribute to your father. Gardens have a way of being eternal.
Some of my most precious memories of my parents revolve around gardening.