Minority flowers or underdog flowers in our garden

These flowers rarely graced the pages of this blog.  They’re not strong in numbers; they’re so-called minority flowers in our garden.  Charles said he would call them underdog flowers; he always rooted for underdogs.  They may not be flashy or gaudy, but humble and graceful still.  They prefer 一枝独秀 (one branch of tree is particularly thriving and flourishing, outshining others) rather than 百花争艶 (beauty contest among hundreds of flowers).

Cardinal flowers

This cardinal flower was intimidated by the vivacious hollyhock blossom.  It must have felt safe to bloom only when the hollyhock flowers were almost spent; it tries to avoid head-to-head competition.

Hibiscus

Our hibiscus inside and outside the garden has been in opulent blossom.  There was an article in 1998 NY Times called “Oh, That Brazen, Raucous, and Glorious Hibiscus”, in which it said hibiscus is “antithesis of inconspicuous.”  The size of hibiscus flowers is bigger than Katy’s hand, commanding attention, affection and reverence.  The slogan of our hibiscus is “Big is Beautiful”.

Hydrangea

“Even in the smallest and humblest garden, a sturdy hydrangea at once proclaims the place as the abode of a real gardener rather than a mere purchaser of plants to cover the landscape.”—Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin, 2006.  I am showing the hydrangea in glory to prove we’re real gardeners.

Hydrangea elicits emotion; it did on Carl Sandburg; please refer to this post in September 2012.

http://doctorjytsai.blogspot.com/2012/09/white-hydrangeas-turn-rust-with-line-of.html

Bell flower

This bell flower came from Jo’s home a few years ago. It comes with single and double petals.  It withered in winter and comes back in spring faithfully.

Unknown flower

This unknown flower grew in the area next to hibiscus. Although outside the garden, they’re in a nice neighborhood of fig, hydrangea and zinnia.  Like the soldiers of the unknown, it commands respect, appreciation and admiration.