Last night, HH and I attended our church’s oh-so-swanky auction at the Skirvin Hotel, so, Friday, my husband asked me what I was planning to wear.
I made a gesture toward the closet and said, “Something black.” I then thought for a moment and said, “I think I need new black shoes though.”
“Go buy some,” he said.
I do so love those three little words.
So it was that after I dropped Bear off at school, I was headed for DSW shoes when my car made a sudden right turn a mile or so beforehand and pulled into the parking lot of our local nursery. They didn’t open until 8:30, and it was only 8:15 so I called to check in with my mom. I told her I was going to buy shoes, but . . . .
“Where are you,” she said.
I explained about the car.
“Oh, what does the car want to buy?” she asked.
“Black tulips and maybe some soft pink ones to offset them.”
Between snorts of laughter, like the good mother she is, she pointed out how many bulbs I’d bought which still need to be planted.
She’s not a gardener, so she doesn’t understand . . . how we dream in fall of spring-blooming bulb combinations; waking in the night, and then, after writing them down, falling back to sleep to dream once more.
“Uh, Mom, the store is open. Gotta go.”
When you have no valid excuse, I find it’s best to end the conversation as soon as possible.
So, it was that I wandered up and down the aisles of temptation. I found the bulbs, luscious ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips, ‘Valerie Finnis’ muscari and
Allium sphaerocephalon. Already purchased ‘Queen of the Night’ black tulips will be planted with the others. This accomplished, I found my feet wandering outdoors. It must be the springtime air (73F in November?) which drew me onward. I thought there wouldn’t be any perennials from which to choose, but I also found black hellebores, ‘London Fog’ and ‘Onyx Odyssey’. They were like the perfect purse, so I had to have them.
Just past the perennials were the trees. I thought I would only take a glance. Intending to look at the conifers, I bypassed maples, dogwoods and oaks, and then, on my left, I saw trees with red berries, and green leaves edged in a bit of purple. Although I’d never seen them in person, I knew those trees. I grabbed a tag for confirmation. Eureka! Royal Raindrops® crabapples. I’ve wanted Royal Raindrops® ever since I wrote about them over two years ago.
I called HH, and asked if I could have them instead of a pair of shoes. I told him that three of them would look splendid in the upper pasture planted next to the road where they would be seen as people drove around the curve. I told him that all three would cost less than a pair of Bruno Magli shoes.
Like I’ve ever owned a pair.
Because this blog is rated “G,” I can’t write exactly what he said, but, basically, he doesn’t know Bruno Magli from Adam, and what’s more, he doesn’t care. I love that about him.
I also love clothes, jewelry and other accessories as much as the next girl, but how many black dresses does one need anyway?
Some girls buy shoes. I buy trees, and trees are forever.
Those pink and black tulips are going to be fabulous. I have done the combo, except with Menton.
Shoes are nice too.
“she pointed out how many bulbs I’d bought which still need to be planted.” ROTFLOL I can soooo relate. I have plants two years old still in their nursery pots, and yet I buy more. Is it a disease? If so, I don’t want to be cured. I’d MUCH rather buy plants than shoes. I hope you’ll come visit me at http://greenlifeinsocal.wordpress.com.
.-= Lou´s last blog ..I need more chard! =-.
haha, my family will kill me if I buy a tree. I’m living on high floor, which is uniquely unsuitable for tree.
.-= scheng1´s last blog ..Reflection: Buy Shoe =-.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m glad you liked my shoe story.~~Dee
oh gosh Dee this is so awesome!!!!! Of course we buy trees. Wonderful, just wonderful. You write like poetry right through the gardeners heart. You were born for it.
.-= Anna/Flowergardengirl´s last blog ..Autumn greetings video from Flowergardengirl =-.
Thank you dear.~~Dee
Great choice, Dee. I’d choose trees over shoes any day. Such a cute story and so true about us gardeners.
.-= Mary Delle´s last blog ..I Blog Because… =-.
I love it! I can so relate. However, my mom and I are huge partners in crime… when we come in from the nursery we always brag about all of the money we SAVED…. not the money we spent. Oh, and did I mention how rich we are in plants?! Too funny- great story.
Shoot, the shoes get worn and then shoved into a dark closet until the next time they’re needed. They won’t be appreciated nearly as much as the bulbs, plants and trees will!
So much better then a pair of shoes and a way better story! Love the new look over here! gail
.-= Gail´s last blog ..Mish Mashing Away =-.
So glad you found your dream trees!
.-= Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening´s last blog ..Mini Guest Post =-.
Oh Dee.
I just loved this post.
You, your mom, even your car — the three of you became a wonderful comedy team with your husband playing the part of the staight man.
I laughed at your variation of the flat-tire excuse that your car has a mind of its own. And your Mom’s response — she’s a keeper, even if she can’t understand gardeners.
I hope all went well at the Skirvin even with you wearing leftovers and your garden getting its new bulb duds. I’ll look forward to seeing your garden make a fashion splash dressed in pink and black next spring.
But maybe you could make this runaway mind car a weekly feature?
Janell
.-= Janell West´s last blog ..The Good Old Days =-.
This is so funny, Dee, but I certainly can relate. I find as I get older, I would much, much rather go plant shopping than clothes shopping. Those beautiful crabapples will last for generations; nobody would probably notice your shoes anyway.
Love the new look, especially your new header!
.-= Rose´s last blog ..OOTS: Late, late Edition =-.
My hubby doesn’t understand how I’d rather buy trees, bulbs, or anything at the garden center instead of clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, or even (gasp) chocolate! I can’t explain it to him; stopped trying long ago.
Good choice! Plants are infinitely more fun to buy than clothes or shoes.
I’m sure you could spiff up some shoes you own with a little polish. You only need them for one night and the plants will make you happy for a long time!
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..L’Orto Botanico di Roma =-.
You NEEDED those trees. You didn’t NEED those shoes. Lets face it you can rub a bit of polish on those old shoes and off you go. You NEED to plant trees so that when you are too old to get out and purchase shoes or trees you can sit back and say I remember when…
Sister, I hear you! My wardrobe is a sad thing, as I’d rather buy plants than clothes. As for shoes, forget it – all the pretty ones hurt or don’t fit. Besides, the plants are for everyone who sees them. It’s more self-less and generous to buy plants. (I tell ya’ I could keep them coming.)
.-= Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..The End of the Line – Picture This Photo Contest =-.
It was fate that made you turn in to the nursery instead of the shoe store! Those trees were calling to you! Only other gardeners would know about these mysterious forces that make us stop at garden centers. The trees sound great, and you only need one pair of black shoes.
.-= Carol, May Dreams Gardens´s last blog ..Embrace Composting For A Happier Life =-.