This was the second year I drove to a neighboring state to shop for spring flowers. It’s more of a family visit trip, but the flowers add some color to the weekend. And this year, we had a better plan. We were more informed about where we wanted to go, and true to my family’s approach, we had a plan. Three nurseries before lunch was our goal. Well, the first stop was a store that sells flowers among many other things, so maybe not a nursery. We knew it would be a quick stop, but it had a particular plant we liked. We could get them other places, but they seemed to do well from this store, so we were on a mission.

One of the best offerings at the first stop is the way they put together an arrangement that doesn’t require much thought. I realize many flower gardeners prefer a more personalized approach, but I’m okay with some efficiency. My sister and I have similar approaches. We leave the more intentional artistry to mom. The particular arrangements fit well in the two largest pots in the front of my house. I can then customize everything else with some planning by height and colors. I added two of the sought-after plant mixtures in my cart. So did my sister. Then she laughed at she pointed out the labels on the pots.

Drop and Decorate.

Yes, that was our style. The rows of outdoor displays were filled with Drop and Decorates. So many options for those of us who want to take a little bit of guesswork out of the planting process. We might spend a few more dollars, but it’s worth it in my opinion. We then went to the second stop and started finding some individual options. By the time we finished there, we needed to make a pit stop at the house to unload. We can’t fit three people’s flowers in one trip. The final stop alone fills the vehicle. They have more varieties and accessories. By the time we returned to my sister’s house again, I had all the sizes and shades I needed. Throughout the day, I’d picture my varying planters, and it didn’t take me long to fit them all into place the following day when I returned home. I did some of my own dropping and decorating, but nothing is as simple as the Drop and Decorate pots. I stepped back and smiled, ready to watch them all bloom.

As I water, I notice the differences. I’ve tried some different varieties, and I enjoy seeing how they survive and thrive. I haven’t lost any yet. But framing my door are the staples—Drop and Decorates. I know they’re not foolproof. Even with the care I give them, they can get too much heat or wind or hail. They’re not quite as simple as drop and decorate and never consider again, but they’re like so many other things that seem simple and bring beauty to our lives. They still need attention and care.

What have you started to overlook? What do you take for granted? What or whom do you need to tend to today?

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