Once again you've hit the nail on the head (and I can picture you waving that defiant finger, too). New plants are interesting and fun to try, and in my position I need to try them so I can write knowledgeably about them for my readers (both the ones I get paid to write for and blog readers). But I love the stalwarts--dare we call them gardening classics, as priceless as a Chopin etude or a Hemingway short story?--and the fashion police be damned.
A few years ago a particular magazine here in Canada, mostly a vanity publication for this garden diva in Toronto, had another writer talking disparagingly about digging up particular hostas, actaeas, (cimicifugas) and some other plants that were older varieties or species, and instead planting the newer (bigger, bolder, darker, golder) cultivars--which of course were PP or PPAF, and about seventeen times as pricey. What respect I had for that magazine went out the window. Plant police (and other fashionistas) be damned. I'll plant what I want so long as it's not noxious or invasive (in my area).

I think you should plant what brings you joy, in the same way I believe you should wear what makes you comfortable. :) It's fine to be "trendy", but like those old, comfortable jeans, there's something about a "well worn" plant as well. Geraniums will always be among my favorites -- as will petunias, hydrangeas, pansies. You know, all those Grandma plants. ;-)

Really enjoyed this Stuart. Wing Nut and I often squabble over "old biddie plants" and "plants from outerspace".

It's true, it just isn't possible to have a mature garden that keeps up with trends. You're much better off developing a timeless style you want to live with. That doesn't stop me from wanting all the new plants, though. The bigger, better, darker, golder plants still call to me, but I try them out in bare spots or when replacing something that just isn't happy at home in my garden.

I've never been 'into' fasion anyway! I've always tended towards classic styles in decorating, clothing, and gardens. Give me the tried and true and old favorites. Maybe I'll throw in something new to add a little spice here and there, but trendy has never been the maintstay of my house, my wardrobe, or my garden!

I know what you mean. I get dozens of garden catalogs. They are full of the "latest and greatest". But, I'm still looking for, and wanting to grow, the beautiful old varieties, and sometimes I have trouble finding them. Sometimes they are available in Canada, but the restrictions are so severe for shipping across the border making that not an option.

Interesting! I was just thinking of this topic the other day! I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to find some of the plants that I used to grow and love but some had, seemingly, disappeared from our local nurseries. I've never been too concerned over 'fashion' or what's 'in or out' of style, but what's available in our nurseries and stores does, without a doubt, influence what we buy/grow. To state the obvious, retailers do want to entice us to spend our money and selling "new", "improved", "latest & greatest" is one way to do it. I love the tried-and-trues, but enjoy trying the new plants, too.

I agree with your irritation, but I also sympathise with those who are tired with "old granny plants". The college campus I studied at seemed to only use Crotons (thousands and thousands!) - as a result, this amazing plant is anathema to me. I don't think it is necessary the plants themselves, but rather their over-use.
At the same time, fashions seem to cycle, so what is tired and over-done today will be used again eventually. Two examples in South Africa of granny plants that I can see doing a re-cycle, are Cannas and Hydrangeas. I think I'll try giving them a push in that direction...

I with you Stuart, who cares what they think!

I'd be waving a different finger. Or I'd really want to, at least.