flowers from mom’s garden: old ways vs. new trends

When I look at the flowers my mother grew all summer for my wedding, I’m swept back to my childhood. I remember her hands, weathered but gentle, coaxing life from the same patch of earth season after season. She insists on planting the same heirloom zinnias and sunflowers, saying, “These are what your grandmother grew.” But my friends, who favor trendy bouquets from the florist, say I should have gone with imported roses or exotic orchids—something more ‘modern’ and ‘Instagram-worthy.’ I can’t help but feel torn. Is there still a place for the old-fashioned blooms that carry our family’s stories, or should we embrace the sleek, curated look that’s all over social media? Here in the Midwest, the climate shapes what we can grow. My mother’s flowers thrive in our unpredictable summers, surviving droughts and storms, while the imported varieties often wilt before the ceremony even begins. Still, some neighbors complain that her wild, sprawling garden looks messy compared to the manicured lawns in our community. They say it’s not ‘proper’ for a wedding. But when I walked down the aisle, surrounded by those homegrown blooms, I felt a healing connection—to my family, to the land, and to a simpler way of life. Maybe there’s beauty in imperfection, and maybe tradition has its own quiet rebellion against fleeting trends. What do you think: Should we stick to our roots, or is it time to let go of the past? #familytradition #gardeningdebate #midwestgardens #Gardening