rediscovering garden colors: tradition vs. today’s bold choices

When I walk through my backyard, I’m instantly transported to my childhood summers—those gentle hues of peonies and lilacs my grandmother cherished. Back then, gardens were about soft pastels and subtle beauty, a quiet celebration of nature’s palette. But now, I see my daughter planting neon zinnias and electric blue petunias, colors I never imagined in our family beds. Sometimes I wonder: are we losing the gentle charm of tradition, or are we finally letting our gardens express our wildest dreams? In our neighborhood, there’s a lively debate—some folks miss the old-fashioned calm, while others love the burst of modern energy. And with our unpredictable North American weather, I’ve noticed these new varieties often outlast the old favorites, but do they heal the soul the same way? Last week, a neighbor’s vivid border drew both admiration and complaints—too bright for some, just right for others. It makes me think: do we plant for ourselves, our families, or to fit in with the community? As the seasons shift, I find myself torn between nostalgia and the thrill of change. What colors fill your memories—and your garden beds? #gardenmemories #colorfuldebate #traditionvsmodern #Gardening