Lets see, what do we know about Joe the Politician…. he is widely praised for his confidence and outgoing style….natives that come to mind are Maidenhair Ferns, the New England Aster and the White Wood Aster. Each are charismatic plants with their robust, striking habits. They command attention and exude a hearty zest for life, but in their own turn, can step out of line (and sometimes start to be considered a weed).
Their best traits though are their ability to get along with others and and help companions shine. Their growth forms are flexible and can often be found weaving between more-rigid plants in order to show their best side. All are generally good-natured and happy plants that play well with others.
The MaidenHair Fern (Adiantum pedatumcan) seems delicate but it is inherently tough and a good companion to bleeding hearts.
White Wood Aster (Aster divarticus) does not require any staking to support it and is largely self sufficient.
New England Aster (Aster novi-angliae) has a showy side but is often the “last man standing” in disturbed natural areas, surviving long after its companions have succumbed.
1. Eurybia divaricata, 2. White Wood Aster, P9120010crop, 3. Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var hesperium ‘Western Willow Aster’, 4. Maidenhair-Fern, 5. Obama Picks Joe Biden, 6. Maidenhair Fern – Adiantum, 7. New England Aster, 8. New England asters, 9. New England Aster
What a great idea, using their native plants to describe candidates’ personalities! Maybe your comparisons will stimulate further research…”What influence does one’s environment have on future decision making?”. There are certain political factions that insist any encounters, no matter how casual, have life determining consequences.
I never thought of that….but so interesting to think about. – I would certainly agree that a varied environment (i.e. people who move a lot or travel a lot) tend to be more adaptable and accepting of others….but to take it further and wonder perhaps what effect looking at the Rocky Mountains, as I did growing up in Denver, vs. someone who grew up on the beach might have….or living in the woods vs a meadow, or living amongst a more rigid modernistic designed space vs an overflowing cottage-y place. hmmm…
….. I am glad you are enjoying my take with the plant choices…I have to admit, the choosing and the research to find just right plants for the right people — that are also actual usable native plants from that state is a bit of work – it’s good to know people are reading and thinking….
Just lettin’ ya know. The maidenhairs you’ve pictured, are not the ones native to Delaware. They look like the ones native to Australia and New Zealand.