I have entered into an unhealthy relationship with a plant. Two plants, really. Both geraniums. Almost co-dependent, this relationship is. I provide water and shelter; they provide color and joy.
This photo was taken on Valentine’s Day. These blooms were not there on the 13th of February but were bright and cheerful when I came downstairs on the 14th. Full of love for me, and smiling in the weak sun.
I do love these plants. All summer long, they live on my deck and are more gorgeous every day. They get huge and bloom constantly. They are the two colors I love most in geraniums – red and hot pink. Both of these colors were grown by my maternal grandmother, and therefore I have placed a value on them higher than the 99-cent plants they grew from.
I do hate these plants when I bring them in every winter to the only window in the house that can hold them – the south-facing one in the kitchen. Our busiest room in the entire home. Already overfull with our active lives. I get to enjoy them, true. But I have never enjoyed house plants – in any variety – and I’ve tried to trick myself into thinking they are just “visiting for the winter,” not staying in the house permanently. True, again, but winter is long.
Just when I reach my winter peak of wanting them out of the house, they give me a show of color. I don’t talk to plants or listen to them if they are talking, but I know a plea for a few more months of patience when it is silently offered.
So they will stay.
p.s. I have written of geraniums before. Feel free to read more here and here.
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in defense of your plants, I get to enjoy them too and I don’t have to water or clean up dead leaves.
My grandmother grew geraniums on her little patio. In winter, they lived on a window sill that ran the width of her little trailer. One of my uncles built a shelf so they would all fit. Her couch was in front. I have no idea how she got to them to give them water.
Cindy:
How fantastic! I read an article years ago about collectors of small, wooded benches. One woman collected them because they had clearly been handmade for a very specific place on a farm or home. Your mention of the special shelf made me smile … and think of that woman.
Love is wonderful thing. Much like blooms in winter!
– sloane
p.s. Thanks for reading our blogs. It is always nice to get a note.
Sloane, You are a good woman. It can be very depressing in the fall to “pitch” lovely, healthy, plants just because they are not winter hardy. I had a small geranium in an annual assortment. I could not bring myself to throw it out or let it freeze. I brought it inside, pruned, nurtured and delighted in the survival and growth. Put it back out on the patio the next summer, darn little thing died!!! All my plants but the orchids are in my kitchen as the Kitties like to chew on them. Really crowded but I do enjoy all their efforts to grow and thrive despite being cooped up all winter. Thanks for the comments, made me smile.