Flowers are under attack.

Have you noticed how many books and articles on garden design emphasize the importance of foliage to the point where flowers are entirely secondary?

Many garden experts tell us that a sophisticated gardener overlooks the fleeting thrill of flowers and instead focuses, sensibly, on the form, texture, and color that foliage provides over the long haul.  Once one reaches a certain level of maturity, one puts away such childish things as flowers.  Are they really such a guilty pleasure?

I get it.  Foliage matters.  Wonderful effects may be created with foliage alone.  It gives a garden structure and continuity and cohesiveness.  It comes in a dazzling array of colors and textures.  Purple foliage, in small doses, anchors a planting with deep, resonating tones like no other element can do.  Yellow or variegated foliage contributes highlights that last over a longer season than just about any blooming plant.  Cool blues and greens are soothing, yet varied in form and effect.

But I resent it when garden writers imply that giving equal consideration to flowers is somehow amateurish.  I will not be made to feel guilty for delighting in their charms.