I spent some time this morning stripping the anthers off my lilies. I always feel a bit guilty deflowering my flowers. Sure, it’s not like they’re going to reproduce. (I’ve already cut them for goodness sake.) But, I’ve stripped them of something that defines them. They’re still working to attract pollinators, to get some and give some, swelling and brightening in the most optimistic, yet desperate way. And, just like that, I casually pluck away at their potential.

I’m reminded of my husband, and the things I do for me that sometimes take away from him. Now, I’m not talking about our sex life, per se. I’m talking about being open to, even nurturing, his desire and potential in the larger sense. In the terms he defines. In the ways he strives to express it. What things do I, habitually, mindlessly, that diminish him — always in service to my own needs or interests? And what about the other people I care about? What would my life be like if I tried to control things less?

Maybe this should be Gardening Resolution #5. Consider what the garden wants. Let go a little.

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Martha taught me to remove the anthers. I blame her for my guilt. Don’t you?

2012 Gardening Resolutions 1, 2, 3.

2012 Gardening Resolution 4.

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A few years back, I read a post on David Perry’s site where he asked the question, what if people bought flowers in the same way [many of us] have come to buy food? I thought, oh, yes. That would be nice. But, living here in the arid West I didn’t really think it was possible to get organic, locally grown flowers (and seeds!) year-round. And, you know what, it’s not. But, this year, I’ve decided I’m okay with that.

Now, I only buy flowers grown within 50 miles from here. Less, if I can manage. I even have plans to go flower foraging with a girlfriend! And come Fall and Winter next, you’ll see me scrounging around under the pine trees out front and pruning errant dogwood branches when my HOA President’s not looking.

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Bouquet: Scabiosa and Dill, Lauren Morgan of Fair Eliza’s Flowers – a local flower farm here in Northern Colorado.

David Perry: “Today’s fresh sheet” 04.29.09

If you’re not following David and his friend Debra Prinzing on A Fresh Bouquet, I recommend you do. Wonderful stories of inspiring gardeners and flower lovers, with plenty of David’s beautiful photography.

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2. 2012 Gardening Resolutions I live in a townhome in Fort Collins, CO....