Certain perennials will sometimes offer a second showing of blooms after their first bodacious presentation. This usually happens after they’ve had some time to rest and recover, or after you’ve pruned them hard and allowed them to come back. The second show is never quite as impressive or floriferous as the first – the blooms are often smaller and more scant, more of an echo than a proper second act, but somehow more tender and precious for that.
Such is the case with these electric pink Monarda blooms. I’d sheared the plant back heavily after its first flowering spell, and it began putting out new foliage quickly thereafter, followed by the appearance of a few smaller blooms. I love these follow-up performances – they bring a freshness reminiscent of early summer back to the garden just when it’s really starting to wind down. It’s like summer insisting on staying just a bit longer, and after a few rocky weeks I’m grateful for the chance to do it again with a lighter heart.
