I have always admired blooming, tree-like geraniums, peeking out from behind sheer white curtains in the upstairs rooms of old New England homes with sunny windows. Add a sleeping cat to the windowsill, and one has an example of idyllic peace. The common geranium is much overlooked. It is not as showy as a bougainvillea or as fragile looking as an orchid. People love to plant geraniums in cemeteries as they are known to be hardy and can withstand wind and weather and still bloom where they are planted.
Every spring, Jim and I make a trip to the local greenhouse by the river. The owners have a large operation. We love smelling the hanging baskets of petunias, and perusing shelf after shelf of plants with familiar names, and some that are new to us. Inevitably, when we make our choices, they always include geraniums to plant on both my brother’s grave and that of my parents. Luckily, the cemetery administration does not mind plantings near gravestones and plants can remain throughout the season. During the summer, we travel there (out of town) to pull the weeds, and tote along some water.
Just two weeks ago, I decided it was time to remove the dead plants, so we made the trip again. To my amazement, under the leaves of autumn, one geranium still had green leaves and looked as though it wanted to come home with me. I re-potted it in soil that already contains some extra nutrients, put it in my living room (sunny) window. The plant is thriving and has put on dozens of new leaves. It is flourishing under the minimal care of occasional watering and lifting the shade for light on it.
“Waste not, want not” has always been my watchword. The geranium is just one example. Almost anything is salvageable with a little tender loving care. That is a theory that has stood me in good stead. For that reason, I truly do understand the art of “dumpster diving,” and the “pickers” who cruise the city streets on trash pick-up day looking for treasures that can have new life breathed into them.
I have my heart set on this geranium blooming this winter. If it does, you’ll be the first to know, and I’ll post a photo! Deal? Deal.
Pat
Tags: geraniums
