Garden Options, Inspired by The Hunger Games

May your horticulture outcomes be ever in your favor

As many avid readers know, Suzanne Collins’ critically acclaimed trilogy, The Hunger Games, fires up the imagination. The first installment of this saga is currently being gobbled up by the masses, thanks to the movie that’s now in theaters. The books and film are also filled with plant references. And that, of course, prompts today’s “What if?” question: What if we created a Hunger Games themed garden…

Katniss, the protagonist

As we learn in the books and film, Katniss—the central character of The Hunger Games—is named after the Katniss plant. This aquatic species is purportedly edible—though I’m not volunteering as taste tester.

Unfortunately, Katniss isn’t produced for the horticulture market. Moving to Plan B, I suggest Cattail as a viable option. It can be grown in an aquatic container-garden, paired with Water Lily or Lotus. An excellent addition to a shady porch area!

Rue, the martyr

Rue, one of the youngest characters portrayed in The Hunger Games, is beloved by fans. Her untimely demise in the story motivates the other characters to finish the game on their own terms.

Rue is also—you guessed it—a type of plant. And, as luck would have it, Rue grows quite well in Texas gardens. The feathery foliage is blue-green in color. Clusters of small, yellow flowers make this plant stand out in the landscape. It performs best in poor soils, partial sun and dry conditions.

Once upon a time, Rue was popular for culinary use. It’s extremely bitter but, apparently, adds interesting flavor when used sparingly. (Again—I’m not volunteering as taste tester.) Centuries ago, Rue saw widespread medicinal use and was wielded by the superstitious to ward off evil.

Peeta, the fellow tribute

In addition to being Katniss’ love interest, Peeta is also portrayed as a baker and artist. “Baker” makes me think of wheat…but who’s going to grow that in a home garden? So, how about ornam