When I was a child, my grandmother’s peonies bloomed every spring, filling the air with a sweet, unforgettable scent. Back then, gardens were about tradition—planting what our parents did, sharing cuttings with neighbors, and watching the same flowers return year after year. Today, I see my own children drawn to bold, exotic blooms they spot on social media, eager to try new varieties that sometimes struggle in our unpredictable Midwest weather. It makes me wonder: should we stick to the tried-and-true peonies and daylilies that thrive in our local soil, or embrace the excitement of tropical hibiscus and rare orchids, even if they need extra care? Some in our community argue that native flowers are best for pollinators and the environment, while others believe a garden should reflect personal taste, even if it means bending the rules or clashing with HOA guidelines. Last summer, a neighbor’s wild patch of sunflowers sparked debate—some loved the cheerful chaos, others missed the neat rows of marigolds and roses. I find myself torn between nostalgia for my grandmother’s orderly beds and the thrill of experimenting with new colors and shapes. What about you? Do you choose flowers for their history, their beauty, or their resilience in our ever-changing climate? Let’s share our stories and see which blooms truly belong in our North American gardens. #gardeningdebate #flowernostalgia #nativevsnew #Gardening