The predicted stormy weekend wasn’t. It was somewhat dreary, but really more occasional showers than steady rain. Even a few sunbreaks. By Sunday afternoon I wondered why I hadn’t planted those primrose I bought earlier in the week so I headed out with my trowel and tucked their wild colors into any empty spot in my big garden pots.
In this big green pot I avoided the typical pinks and just let the yellow and deep purple play with all of the shades of green.
Primroses amuse me with their wild colors. They don’t quite seem real, reminding me more of the science experiments we did with food coloring and narcissi back in grade school. Their bold pinks, purples and yellows always make me think of the ruffles and colorful accessories on a little girls dress. Fun and fresh but not quite natural looking. So tucking them into a pot of greens is like adding a sparkly barrette or pop bead necklace. Just for fun.
I’m never quite sure if I want them again, but every year in late February I give in because, although everything around here is very very green, that’s about the only color so far, and primroses add such a punch of color. They offer immediate satisfaction, no waiting. With their low profile and compact growth, they pull our eyes back down to the ground and make us notice other details, like beautiful unfurling leaves and new growth.
This sweet coral primrose sits in a big pot of grass. Although I don’t mind the grass, which currently looks dry and weathered, I think the contrast of the bright fresh color of the lone primrose adds interest until the green grass returns.
Spring is coming!
