Discovering plants sprouting spontaneously throughout my garden is one of the joys of gardening. These volunteer plants appear unexpectedly, adding a dynamic and lively element to my landscape.
One memorable encounter involved vinca seedlings emerging from a crack in my greenhouse floor, remnants of last year’s plants. Their vibrant red and pink blooms brightened up the garden with their resilient growth and cheerful appearance. Vincas often thrive in unconventional spaces, like crevices and pathways, injecting bursts of color where least expected.
Another delightful surprise comes from coleus plants, renowned for their vivid foliage in shades of red, purple, green, and yellow. These plants pop up unexpectedly, their large, velvety leaves boasting intricate patterns that transform mundane corners into vibrant displays of natural art.
Among my favorites are the gaura plants, with their delicate white and pink flowers on airy stems. They gracefully emerge in the most unforeseen places, adding a whimsical touch to the landscape as they sway in the breeze.
Recently, while scouting for Southern Gardening, I stumbled upon begonias flourishing from cracks in a concrete and brick stairway. Originating from seeds dropped the previous year, these begonias turned an ordinary stairway into a charming garden oasis, showcasing nature’s resilience and beauty.
What makes these volunteers particularly fascinating is their genetic diversity. Unlike cultivated hybrids with specific traits, volunteer plants often exhibit unique characteristics due to cross-pollination. Each one is a testament to nature’s unpredictability, resembling hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
It’s worth noting that these volunteers primarily spread through seeds. By allowing some flowering plants to go to seed, I ensure a continuous supply of delightful surprises throughout my garden.