Zinnias had no "Zin" this Year

Our zinnias started out well this year.  We thought we were in for another summer of cheerful color. They have always been so easy to grow.  But as the season went on, many of the flowers became misshapen. Their petals twisted and curled, and some blooms would not open.  After we lost the tree, the whole yard seemed to have a sad year. I can’t say the tree’s loss caused the trouble with the zinnias, but the garden felt different without it. It was also an unusually hot summer, and I wondered if thrips might be part of the problem. I sprayed and watched, and I came up with a few theories, but I never found one clear answer.Then, finally, the zinnias by the back door began to bloom beautifully again last week. Their pink petals and golden centers are a welcome sight each time I pass by. After a season of struggling flowers, I’m glad to see them looking like themselves.

There’s a little reminder in those flowers. Sometimes life, or the garden has a rough stretch. We get ruffled, feel out of sorts, and try to figure out what’s wrong. Sometimes we find the change or care we need and slowly feel like ourselves again. And sometimes, even when we don’t know exactly what happened, a bit of beauty returns. I may never know why so many of my zinnias struggled this year. But the ones by the back door are blooming again, and for now, that is enough to make me smile.