I can't keep one of these alive for more than a few weeks here. So daggone pretty!!

I took the pic while at Lowes. I've purchased one every year for about 5 years and haven't found a magic spot where they will come back. So this year I just took a pic and didn't buy one. I have to keep stopping myself from wanting to go back and get it anyway.

I get that weakness every few yrs. I wish they wouldn't sell them where it's too hot, but it's similar to when folks up north buy higher zone tropicals sold as annuals. If you run A/C consitently when it's hot, maybe it could be a summer houseplant, winter outside plant, for you. An opposite houseplant.

There are so many beautiful plants that I would love to have. When I lived in different zones I grew plants that I loved and would love to have again. But, I now get to keep them in my memory stash and am grateful that I was able to enjoy them in the zones they grow best in. I prefer to be out in the garden rather than in the house, so any plants in the house have a tendency to be forgotten, except a few small plants that I keep in the bathroom until they get large enough to go outside.
So for now I'm really enjoying building my orchid, hoya, cactus/succulents and tropical plant collection. These are plants that are still fairly new to me and I'm really fascinated by them. I love that they grow and thrive here in my zone. But, I do miss my cottage garden and love when people post their pics on here. I say all this while laughing at myself because I have a weakness for plants, so who knows what will appear in the back of my car next. Lol

I've lived in 2 garden zones and it still surprises me sometimes how different they are.

My knees get rubbery when I see pretty plants too. If you compare to the cost of a bouquet, buying a Delphinium that you know will be dead soon isn't that bad. The other one that gets me in the early spring is Cineraria/Senetti. Another can't handle the heat plant. Oh man!