17 Plants Our Parents Grew: A Look Back at 70s and 80s Garden Favorites

The seventies and 80 were vivacious decade for horticulture , with a delicious array of plants that adorned our parents ’ gardens . These works , cherished for their beauty and resiliency , play life to countless backyards . Let ’s journey through these 17 garden favorites , each holding a particular place in the nostalgic landscape painting of yesteryears .

1. Marigold

With its fiery hue and gentle maintenance , the marigold was a staple in many garden . recognise for its pest - repellant properties , it was not only beautiful but functional . The marigold ’s vivacious colors add up a cheerful touch , make it a ducky among nurseryman who sought both aesthetics and utility . In the evenings , their blooms seemed to glow , make a warm and ask round standard pressure . Planting marigolds was often a family unit affair , with children thirstily helping to sow in seeds , creating memories intertwine with the vulgar aroma of stain and the promise of vibrant flower .

2. Hydrangea

Big , bold , and beautiful , the hydrangea made a command in any garden . Homeowners loved the elbow room its prominent bloom clump could shift in coloring material , depending on the soil ’s pH. In the acidic soils of many vicinity , blooms sported a pictorial blue , while alkaline conditions turned them pink . The hydrangea ’s adaptability made it a versatile choice , effortlessly fitting into diverse landscape painting designing . Its presence in the garden often acted as a natural conversation starter among neighbor , further cementing its place as a beloved garden classic .

3. Geranium

Geraniums , with their compact form and abundant bloom , were perfect for brightening terrace and window loge . Their somewhat peppery scent was unmistakable , evoking warm summertime 24-hour interval spent outdoors . Versatile and hardy , these plant thrived in deal , cause them ideal for urban dweller with limited garden infinite . The geranium ’s resilience mean it could survive on a sunny windowsill or a bustling porch , bringing joy with its upbeat flush . Often , child would cull a bloom to tuck behind their auricle , tot a jot of floral whimsy to their manoeuvre .

4. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums , or ‘ mums , ’ were the stars of fall gardens . Their diverse image of gloss and grade meant there was a variety for every gardener ’s penchant . As summertime faded , mums took center stagecoach , their deep hues typify the changing time of year . intrepid and reliable , they were often go through down through generations , with cuttings shared among family line and supporter . The crisp air of fall day heighten their smell , making a stroll through the garden a sensory delectation . Chrysanthemums incarnate the spirit of togetherness and the beauty of seasonal change .

5. Snapdragon

Snapdragons captured imaginations with their unique blooms that , when pinched , seemed to unfold like a dragon ’s mouth . These playful efflorescence come in a spectrum of colors , add a active vertical element to flower bottom . Their colored spikes were a attraction for bees and butterfly stroke , institute life and social movement to the garden . Children especially roll in the hay them , often popping the tartar - similar blossoms spread out in playful delight . Snapdragons were a will to the joy and wonder that round-eyed plants could make for , making them a darling choice for fellowship garden .

6. Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus signaled the elated arrival of spring with their sunny lily-livered efflorescence . These brave bulb were among the first to flower , lifting spirits after the grey-haired wintertime calendar month . Their bright trumpets and elegant petals danced in the breeze , create a bouncy and hopeful scenery . nurseryman cherish their reliability and power to naturalize , spreading joy year after yr . For many , daffodil were synonymous with springtime puerility memories , where picking a fresh posy for the kitchen table was a yearly custom care for by family .

7. Zinnia

Zinnias were a favourite for their bold and wide-ranging people of color , ranging from fiery reds to pastel pinks . These sun - loving yearbook convey a burst of vim to garden beds , creating a lively arras of hues . Easy to maturate from source , they were often the first choice for initiate gardeners . Zinnias thrived in the summertime heat , attracting butterfly stroke and creating a lively , colourful spectacle . Their long - lasting blossom made them ideal for thinned prime arrangements , ensuring a splash of garden colour indoors . Zinnias were the quintessential summer bloom , embody joy and resiliency .

8. Iris

Irises impart a touch of elegance and grace to garden with their intricate , frilly petals . These perennial were treasure for their striking appearance and range of vividness , from deep purples to easy blue devil . Blooming in later saltation , irises brought a sense of renewal and beauty . The sword - like leaves and spectacular flowers create a come upon architectural mien , often act as a focal pointedness in garden design . For many , iris diaphragm were a link to heritage , with rhizomes legislate down through generations , carry memories and stories of gardens past .

9. Lavender

Lavender , with its console scent and ticklish majestic bloom , was a garden staple . Valued for its chill out properties , it was often used in homemade potpourris and sachets . The plant ’s silvery foliage and vivacious peak added a touch of elegance and placidity to any garden outer space . Lavender ’s ability to attract bees made it a vital part of eco - friendly horticulture . Its mien was synonymous with relaxation , evoking memories of otiose summer good afternoon . Planting and incline to lavender often became a cherished household ritual , mix mantrap and serenity into garden biography .

10. Azalea

Azaleas , with their stunning floral display , were the pride of many gardener . These shrubs exploded with vividness each leap , transform gardens into vibrant arras of pink , red , and blank . Their lush blooms were a sight to behold , cause them a pop choice for front yards and public ballpark . The azalea ’s ability to prosper in shady expanse made it various , adding beauty where other plants might struggle . With a trivial care , azalea became the showpieces of the garden , their blaze often mark the pinnacle of spring ’s aureole .

11. Begonia

Begonias brought a touch of whimsy and color to gardens , with their lush leaf and vivacious blooms . Perfect for hang baskets and shaded area , these plant thrived in a variety of conditions . Their power to bloom continuously made them a favorite for add long - lasting beauty to porch and patios . Begonias were a symbolisation of adaptability , flourishing in both humble garden plot and ornate landscape . Their presence was often a testament to a gardener ’s creativeness and commitment , transforming ordinary spaces into enchanted floral displays .

12. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons were cherished for their glorious floral display and evergreen plant leaf . These bush produced big , showy clusters of blooms , often in refinement of violet , pink , and white . Their bearing added drama and elegance to any garden , making them a focal point in landscape pattern . rhododendron ’ power to thrive in cool climate made them popular in northern regions . The prevision of their springtime bloom was a highlight for many nurseryman , signaling a burst of color and biography . Rhododendrons embodied both resilience and beauty , captivating all who behold them .

13. Hosta

Hostas were the unsung Italian sandwich of shaded garden areas , known for their attractive leaf rather than flower . With a diverse range of sizes , colors , and leaf patterns , hostas added texture and interestingness to garden beds . Their ability to thrive in low - light conditions made them perfect for under Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and along north - front wall . genus Hosta were easy to grow and preserve , often becoming a gardener ’s go - to for reliable greenery . Their bearing in the garden supply a tranquil backcloth for more florid bloom , create a balanced and symmetrical landscape .

14. Peony

paeony were the epitome of garden romanticism , with their tumid , fragrant bloom and plush foliage . These perennials were a deary for their deluxe blossoms , often used in bridal bouquets and celebratory organization . Peonies ’ ability to thrive with minimum care made them a staple fiber in many gardens . Their seasonal bloom was eagerly anticipated , mark the passage from spring to summer . For many , peonies were link with family gatherings and jubilation , their beauty enhancing especial minute . Their presence in the garden was a nod to timeless elegance and enduring charm .

15. Sunflower

Sunflowers play delight with their predominate heights and cheerful yellow faces . These giants of the garden were often plant in the back of flower beds or along fences , where they could attain for the sky . Sunflowers were not only beautiful ; they also supply seeds for both humans and wildlife . Their cheery disposition made them a favorite among kid , who marvel at their rapid growth and impressive size . Planting helianthus was a summertime tradition , where families gathered to witness nature ’s grandeur and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching prime adopt the Sunday .

16. Hollyhock

Hollyhocks added a ghost of cottage charm to garden , with their hulk spikes of blooms . These biennials were often ascertain decorate fencing and garden borders , create a picturesque backdrop . Their honest-to-goodness - fashioned appeal made them a beloved choice for nostalgic nurseryman assay to recreate the charm of country garden . Hollyhocks ’ ability to pull pollinator add life story to the garden , secure a buzzing , vibrant ecosystem . Their formal presence and array of colors made hollyhock a symbolic representation of rustic elegance , capturing the hearts of those who hanker for simpler times .

17. Petunia

Petunias were the champions of vivacious semblance , bring a kaleidoscope of chromaticity to garden . These various yearbook thrived in both beds and container , making them idealistic for nurseryman of all skill levels . Petunias ’ resiliency and long blossom time period meant they could provide colour from spring through capitulation . Their sweet fragrance and wide of the mark reach of patterns made them a favorite for tote up personality to garden space . Planting petunias became a jubilant ritual , where each bloom ’s unequalled practice added a tactual sensation of magic trick to quotidian life , embodying creativeness and joy .