Answer:
In this story, the marigolds represent things which are important to people, that is all those things which matter to us, where we put our efforts and energy to make them more perfect and beautiful.
When the author says "I too have planted marigolds", she wants to express her compassion towards Miss Lottie, because she also has things which matter to her, the same as Miss Lottie.
In the end, the author wants to say that each of us has his/her own marigolds.
It gives the nature human like qualities and that helps set the scence for a reader.
It means your teacher want to know were you got your information from
read article 023 edward mcclelland
this should clear up all questions you have ;)
