Crystal Springs is a popular local florist that has a garden center from early May through the end of July. It offers thousands of annuals and perennials to avid gardeners during the growing season, and I have spent many a dollar there over the years.
Usually, I shop for my plants in May, as I did this year. But some of my plants have died since then, so I ventured to Crystal Springs today to see what might be left of its offerings. The sign outside the garden center said annuals were fifty percent off and perennials were buy-two-get-one-free.
But the entrance to the garden center was closed. There was a sign that directed me to enter the Crystal Springs gift shop and wend my way to the garden center. Which I did. It was an eerie experience. What was filled with eager gardeners hauling trunkfuls of plants in May was replaced with silence, some gangly begonias, and some equally spindly geraniums. I was the only one in the garden center.
Yes, I was disappointed not to find a gem or two for my garden. But the most overwhelming feeling was one of sadness. It’s only the end of July, and already the blooming season is moving on.
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