Grieving with Flowers
Today is my Mom’s birthday. She would have been 76 years old. I was thinking about her, and remembering how much she loved fuchsias. So I bought one, hoping that I can keep it alive. They do not do well in our micro-climate. It’s too hot in summer, too cold in winter. They do well on the other side of the Oakland hills, in Berkeley, Oakland, and especially San Francisco, where there are lovely fuchsias in Golden Gate Park. My mom would buy them and hang them indoors, but I’m going to try, and am putting mine outside. It’s in the shadiest part of our yard, where they will not get any afternoon sun. I will need to water them every couple of days, which I am not that great at. If I can keep this poor plant alive through the summer, I will be an improved person. Wish me luck.
While at the nursery looking for the fuchsia, I saw these pretty begonias. I bought them in orange and pink, and put them together in a pot. Orange was my Dad’s favorite color, and pink is my step-mom’s favorite color. I think they look pretty together, and it makes me happy to see them.
My Grandma Wells had a planter in her back yard, which was 3 tiers of pots, that she would fill with petunias every summer. She called it her petunia tree. I don’t have that tree, but I have this little strawberry pot that reminds me of Grandma’s petunia tree, so I like to put petunias in it. Here they are, in her honor.
6 Comments
Ally Bean
Once upon a time I managed to keep a fuchsia alive for almost a year. Only once. They’re beautiful plants. I can see why your mother liked them.
Your petunias in the strawberry pot are adorable. Makes me want to go out and buy a strawberry pot just to recreate your idea. Flowers are lovely, especially when they remind you of a loved one.
J
Ally, do it! I love the petunias in the pot.
I have a cousin who is a Master Gardner, and she said that fuchsia love water and food, so I will have to be Diligent if I am going to succeed. If I do, I will keep you informed. If I fail, I will keep it to myself.
nance
I love the look of fuchsias, but in our climate, they require a ton of care. I’m not willing to deal with all of that, so I buy tough geraniums instead. My kind of flower: little fuss/high reward.
Honoring your loved ones with living floral tributes is a lovely gesture. It gives your gardening a bit more meaning, then.
J
Right there with you on the fuchsias. They do not do well here. I am going to have to baby the hell out of this one to keep it alive. Really, it should be illegal to sell them where they are condemned to die, shouldn’t it? But here I am, taking it on. I haven’t had one in years. Wish me luck.
Rain Trueax
She was am amazing woman though I only knew her through her blogs.
There are fuchsias that are hearty. Small blossoms red and purple. They winter over in our part of Oregon and the hummers love them.
J
Rain, I think I had one of those once, in the ground. Stupidly, I planted it right where the afternoon sun hits hard, and I was lazy about watering and feeding, so it died. I am not a good gardener, but I love flowers, so am trying to be reformed.