I like to think of us gardeners of an optimistic bunch and full of faith. We all can envision a paradise of plants and the accompanying wildlife they bring to the garden. And here at Powell Gardens we’re always aiming to inspire visitors with an enjoyable experience that reflects the importance of plants in our lives.

We know what it takes to plant the seed but wish we had a crystal ball to know when the last frost date will be, whether the rains will be timely or how extreme weather will affect us. We plan for beauty, sustenance, nature and oxygen–but the plants really do the work for us. 

Above is a ginkgo seedling from a tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. This spring it will be 2 years old and will move to the outside nursery where it can grow some size. Then it will be transplanted to the Truman Library. Trees require patience, grass requires persistence.

A recent post on LinkedIn requested favorite garden quotes and almost all posted were regarding optimism regardless of the bumps in the road one must go through to get there. What is your favorite garden or gardeners quote?  Below are some gardening quotes recently posted:

“Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow” (no author given, and widely said)

“An hour in the garden puts life’s problems in perspective” (another widely spoken quote)

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap but by the seeds that you plant” (also widely spoken)

“If you be happy all your life, plant a garden” (Chinese Proverb)

“You get a thorn with every rose but aren’t the flowers sweet” (widely spoken)

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it” (Mark Twain)

I don’t think I have a favorite quote myself though it’s probably “from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow” and that says a lot about gardeners’ optimism about the here and great unknown beyond.

Acorns of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor).

Local legacy oak tree seedlings (various species).

Celebrating the champion Northern Red Oak at historic Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City on a Powell Gardens’ sponsored tree tour. We are sponsoring four area tree tours from spring through fall in 2015: Mount Washington Cemetery, Union Cemetery, Burr Oak Woods, and Forest Hills Cemetery — be sure and sign up as they are announced.