Gardening & Family Love

Gardening, especially beautiful plants and flowers, has a lot to do with family love. Just think for a moment: do you have a special perennial, Christmas cactus, or other plant from a family member? For years, we had my husband's grandmother's Bleeding Heart, and after my wedding, I rooted and potted the ivy from my bouquet and gave to my mom and mother in-law (I don't even have one of these ivy plants any more!).

Is there a flower that reminds you of a loved one? One of my dad's favorite flowers is zinnia, so I think of him when I plant them. My mom is very talented with African Violets, which I kill readily every time I try.

My husband's aunt drives from Michigan to visit several times a year. She is the oldest of my mother in-law's 4 siblings, and she is one of the most spritely and active people that I know! This May she came bearing plant gifts -- 2 Autumn Joy sedums from her garden, and hollyhock seeds. The sedums are exactly like 2 others that I have in the front yard! Look, they are practically identical.
I hope they like their new home! And I will think of her often, as I am tending them and enjoying them this growing season.

Thanks Auntie Val for the special gifts! (that's her in the front...)