No Longer Feared in the Botanical World

I love plants. I admire other people's plants...their pots, their leaves, the interesting stories about their origins. Our neighbor has a plant the "Night Blooming _______(something)" that blooms only at night and you are supposed to throw a party in anticipation of the event. Pretty cool.

Somehow over the years, though, plants have become one more thing that I have to take care of. They mock me and pressure me to remember to water and talk to them. Because of this over the last 7 years I have certainly become the talk of the botanical world. "Have you heard about Spidey? Yea, poor sap is doomed now that he lives with those people." "Drink up fellas because you may not see water again for a month of Sundays." "Oh, is that what the lady of the house looks like? Haven't.....seen..... her.....in.......awhile." All this said in weak and dehydrated voice.

I am proud to announce that I have turned over a new leaf. I have become a thoughtful waterer and nurturing caregiver to three (count them) three houseplants that are not only alive after several years but THRIVING.

Meet Spidey II also known as Spidey the Sequel, Revenge of Spidey or The Empire Strikes Back. This guy is a fighter. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking. When his leaves are too long and knocking the kids in the face, I grab my kitchen sheers and trim away with no rhyme, reason or any preconceived plan. He hides his head in embarrassment for a few weeks, then returns in full flourish and even sports a flower or two. He rocks! He is currently in desperate need of transplanting as his lower region seems to be rotting away the pot in which he currently resides. How embarrassing!

In the background you may catch a glimpse of Long Necky (named by Ben) who is an Angelwing Begonia. Long Necky is a high class Begonia. She is a full breed and has her papers to prove her pedigree. The story goes that Long Necky's ancestors shed a leaf that was then sent through the mail in an envelope and transplanted by the sender's relatives. Needless to say it survived and went on to procreate Long Necky. Long Necky was given to me by these friends because like a good full breed Long Necky just keeps on producing offspring. Long Necky can be described as long and necky. She is very, very tall requiring limb supports of a stick and paint can stirrer. She reminds of a kid in junior high whose legs are a bit too long for their body. But check her out.....

And last but not least, Christmas Cactus or Thanksgiving Cactus or as we call him Ash Wednesday Cactus named for the holiday around which he blooms. He is a welcome addition to the family and his self-watering pot is much appreciated because it is nearly impossible for the waterer to over water and have the overflow make that annoying drip on the wood floors.

So there you have it. You CAN teach and old dog new tricks. Maybe someday soon we will be THE place to be. We will become a haven for plants of all shapes and sizes. We will be the home where sad and deprived plants will go for revitalization and rejuvenation. We will be a botanical day spa.

Next on my adoption list...Return of the African Violet.