Where I live, the end of May signifies the start of planting season. It’s deemed safe to put annuals and tender vegetables into the ground without worrying about frost or freeze. I love this time of year with all the hard work cleaning and prepping of my yard and gardens. Gardening provides me with time to think and to be. It’s my food for the soul.
I made plans to get my plants on Saturday at a small-town garden shop that I frequent each year. I can always count on the inventory there to suit my needs for the color palette I am planning for the year. I donned my mask and gloves, chose a quiet time of day, and drove up the road.
As I pulled into the drive I could see the stark front to the building. Everything looked drab and gray without the dozens of pots and hangers of every color and variety that typically hang there. The shop looked naked without the usual plants: plants that love sun, plants that love shade, plants that are multicolored, and plants that always make me drool well beyond my budget. All I saw were empty hooks and shelves. As I poked around the corner I spotted a few skimpy looking common plants, definitely none of my favorites.
I walked to the side of the yard where I saw the owner. “Jeff,” I asked, “What’s up? Where’s all your stock?” “Everyone is into gardening this year and the inventory can’t keep up with the demand… Plants are the new toilet paper!” he replied.
I chuckled at the joke and turned to walk back to my car, realizing the sad reality of not planting this weekend. And then it hit me! Yikes I’m running low on toilet paper too! No plants and no toilet paper. What a double whammy!