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Annuals Make Summer’s End Special
Annuals make summer’s end special.
Annuals become an important part of the garden at the end of the summer.
When so many perennials have gone by, annuals continue to supply color and structure to the garden.
Rochester, New York seed company owner James Vick (1818-1882) wrote about annuals and their appeal even to the end of summer.
In his magazine Vick’s Illustrated Monthly of 1879 Vick wrote, “The seeds of Annuals are sown in the spring, either in nicely prepared beds in the garden, or in boxes in the house, by those who have no better or more costly arrangements; the plants arrive at maturity in the summer, bud, blossom, ripen their seeds and die in the autumn, having performed their entire mission.”
“To the Annuals, we are indebted mainly for our brightest and best flowers in the late summer and autumn months.”
Right now you will find annuals shining in all their glory in Prescott Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. [below]
Perennials form part of this garden at Prescott Park, but it is the continued blooming of annuals that makes this scene at the end of the summer so special.
Vick taught his readers to love flowers, including annuals.
In a piece on annuals in his magazine Vick wrote, “While writing this article we received a communication from the wife of one of the leading editors of America, describing her success with Annuals, and their wonderful beauty during the autumn months.”
Then Vick quotes her.
She said, “I never had much success with Annuals until I became acquainted with your Guide, and learned about good seed and how to grow them, and now I never fail. My garden is beautiful all the fall with lovely brilliant flowers.”
She mentions some Victorian favorites, still popular today. Her list includes pansies, petunia, phlox, amaranth,and nasturtium.
The color in her garden at the end of summer she attributed to Vick’s guidance.
She promised Vick, “I intend to do wonders this year, and exhibit my flowers at our State Fair, and if I take a prize I will let you know.”
As in Vick’s day, annuals continue even to the end of summer to provide a joyous color just like you can see right now at Prescott Park.
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