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

The seventies and 80s were vibrant decades for horticulture , with a delicious array of plants that adorned our parent ’ gardens . These plant , cherished for their beaut and resilience , brought life to countless backyards . have ’s travel through these 17 garden favorite , each holding a special seat in the nostalgic landscape painting of yesteryears .

1. Marigold

With its fiery hue and easy maintenance , the marigold was a staple in many gardens . know for its pesterer - repellant properties , it was not only beautiful but functional . The marigold ’s vivacious colors sum up a upbeat touch , making it a favorite among gardeners who assay both aesthetics and utility . In the evening , their blooms seemed to glow , creating a quick and inviting atmosphere . Planting marigolds was often a family line affair , with children thirstily aid to inseminate seeds , create memory intertwined with the gross fragrance of territory and the promise of vibrant salad days .

2. Hydrangea

liberal , bold , and beautiful , the hydrangea made a statement in any garden . Homeowners loved the way its big flower clusters could shift in color , depending on the grime ’s pH. In the acid soils of many neighborhoods , blooming sported a vivid blue , while alkaline condition turned them pink . The hydrangea ’s adaptability made it a various option , effortlessly meet into diverse landscape designs . Its presence in the garden often acted as a natural conversation appetiser among neighbors , further cement its home as a beloved garden classic .

3. Geranium

geranium , with their compact chassis and abundant blooms , were arrant for brightening patios and window boxes . Their slenderly peppery olfactory property was plain , paint a picture warm summer days spent outdoors . Versatile and hardy , these plant boom in commode , making them ideal for urban dwellers with limited garden space . The geranium ’s resiliency meant it could survive on a sunny windowsill or a bustling porch , bringing pleasure with its cheerful blossoms . Often , child would gazump a prime to tuck behind their pinna , add a touch sensation of floral flightiness to their play .

4. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums , or ‘ florists' chrysanthemum , ’ were the stars of autumn garden . Their diverse mountain chain of colors and form think of there was a variety for every nurseryman ’s appreciation . As summer fade , mums took center microscope stage , their racy chromaticity symbolizing the changing time of year . dauntless and reliable , they were often passed down through generations , with clipping shared among family and ally . The crisp air of fall day heightened their odor , have a stroll through the garden a sensory delight . Chrysanthemums embodied the spirit of togetherness and the stunner of seasonal change .

5. Snapdragon

Snapdragons captured imaginations with their unequaled blooms that , when pinch , seemed to open like a flying lizard ’s mouth . These playful flower descend in a spectrum of colors , adding a dynamic vertical element to flower bed . Their colorful spikes were a magnet for bees and butterfly stroke , bringing lifetime and movement to the garden . Children especially bed them , often popping the dragon - like blossoms open in playful joy . Snapdragons were a testament to the joy and wonder that simple plants could bring , take a crap them a beloved choice for family gardens .

6. Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus signaled the gleeful arrival of spring with their sunny yellowed blooming . These hardy electric-light bulb were among the first to blossom , lift tone after the gray winter months . Their smart huntsman’s horn and elegant petals danced in the cinch , creating a lively and bright scene . Gardeners cherished their reliability and ability to naturalize , spreading joy twelvemonth after year . For many , daffodils were synonymous with springtime puerility memories , where clean a fresh redolence for the kitchen table was a yearly tradition hold dear by families .

7. Zinnia

Zinnias were a favorite for their sheer and wide-ranging color , ranging from fiery reds to pastel pinks . These sunlight - loving yearbook brought a burst of energy to garden bed , creating a lively tapestry of hues . well-heeled to grow from cum , they were often the first selection for novice gardeners . Zinnias thrived in the summer heat , attracting butterfly stroke and creating a merry , colored spectacle . Their long - endure blush made them ideal for cut flower system , guarantee a splashing of garden color indoors . Zinnias were the quintessential summertime heyday , embodying pleasure and resilience .

8. Iris

Irises added a sense of touch of elegance and grace to gardens with their intricate , frilly petals . These perennial were prise for their spectacular coming into court and range of color , from abstruse purples to soft blue . Blooming in later spring , flag brought a sense of renewal and looker . The sword - similar leaves and dramatic flowers created a striking architectural bearing , often acting as a focal point in garden designs . For many , iris were a link to heritage , with rhizome passed down through generations , carrying memories and storey of gardens past .

9. Lavender

Lavender , with its soothing fragrance and ticklish over-embellished blooms , was a garden raw material . Valued for its calming dimension , it was often used in homemade potpourris and sachets . The works ’s silvery foliage and vibrant flowers added a touch of elegance and tranquility to any garden distance . Lavender ’s ability to attract bee made it a vital part of eco - well-disposed horticulture . Its bearing was synonymous with relaxation , evoking memory of indolent summertime afternoons . Planting and tending to lavender often became a cherished family ritual , blending stunner and serenity into garden biography .

10. Azalea

Azaleas , with their sensational floral display , were the pride of many gardeners . These shrub exploded with colouring material each spring , transform garden into vivacious tapestry of pinkish , red , and white . Their lush blooms were a sight to lay eyes on , making them a popular alternative for front yards and public park . The azalea ’s ability to flourish in louche area made it versatile , supply beauty where other plant might struggle . With a lilliputian care , azalea became the showpieces of the garden , their brilliance often marking the pinnacle of springiness ’s gloriole .

11. Begonia

Begonias make for a touch of whimsy and color to gardens , with their riotous foliage and vibrant blooms . hone for hanging baskets and shaded areas , these industrial plant fly high in a variety of conditions . Their ability to bloom continuously made them a favorite for add long - lasting mantrap to porch and terrace . Begonias were a symbolization of adaptability , flourishing in both humble garden plots and ornate landscapes . Their comportment was often a testament to a gardener ’s creativity and dedication , transform ordinary spaces into enchanted flowered displays .

12. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons were cherished for their magnificent floral displays and evergreen plant foliage . These shrubs farm large , showy clump of rosiness , often in shades of regal , pink , and clean . Their comportment added drama and elegance to any garden , making them a focal point in landscape painting design . rhododendron ’ power to fly high in cooler climates made them pop in northern area . The prediction of their springtime blossom was a highlight for many gardeners , signaling a burst of coloring and life . rhododendron substantiate both resilience and dish , enchant all who beheld them .

13. Hosta

Hostas were the unsung fighter of shaded garden area , have sex for their attractive leaf rather than flowers . With a diverse orbit of sizes , colors , and leaf formula , hostas append texture and interest to garden beds . Their power to prosper in low - brightness shape made them arrant for under trees and along magnetic north - facing rampart . Hostas were well-off to get and keep , often becoming a gardener ’s go - to for reliable greenery . Their presence in the garden bring home the bacon a tranquil backdrop for more flamboyant blooms , creating a balanced and symmetrical landscape .

14. Peony

peony were the epitome of garden love story , with their large , fragrant blooms and lush foliage . These perennial were a dearie for their luxurious blossoms , often used in bridal bouquets and celebratory arrangements . peony ’ ability to thrive with minimal maintenance made them a basic in many gardens . Their seasonal bloom was eagerly anticipated , marking the transition from spring to summer . For many , peonies were associated with family gatherings and celebrations , their beauty raise particular moments . Their bearing in the garden was a nod to timeless elegance and enduring charm .

15. Sunflower

Sunflowers brought pleasure with their hulk height and cheerful sensationalistic brass . These giants of the garden were often institute in the back of bloom bed or along fence , where they could attain for the sky . helianthus were not only beautiful ; they also bring home the bacon cum for both human race and wildlife . Their sunny temperament made them a dearie among tike , who marvel at their speedy growing and telling size . Planting sunflower was a summer tradition , where families gathered to see nature ’s grandeur and bask the simple joy of watching flowers accompany the sun .

16. Hollyhock

hollyhock tot a touch of bungalow appealingness to garden , with their hulk spikes of flower . These biennials were often seen adorn fences and garden boundary line , make a picturesque backdrop . Their old - fashioned appeal made them a beloved choice for nostalgic gardeners seeking to recreate the charm of country gardens . Hollyhocks ’ power to draw pollinator tot up life to the garden , assure a buzzing , vibrant ecosystem . Their statuesque presence and regalia of colors made hollyhocks a symbol of rustic elegance , capture the hearts of those who longed for simple multiplication .

17. Petunia

Petunias were the admirer of vibrant color , bringing a kaleidoscope of hue to gardens . These versatile annuals prosper in both beds and container , making them ideal for gardeners of all skill level . Petunias ’ resiliency and long blooming period meant they could provide color from spring through fall . Their fresh fragrance and broad range of patterns made them a favourite for adding personality to garden spaces . Planting petunias became a joyful ritual , where each bloom ’s unique convention added a touch of magic to everyday life , substantiate creativity and pleasure .