TLC, for you Mom (a day late)

Last December I made a resolution to save this plant and I created a post about it. I want to repeat it here because it's a long story - but true.

December 2010

This poor thing is a begonia. I know, this may seem like a weird subject, but hear me out. This plant (well, its ancestor) has been in our family for at least 50 years. It was a plant that my grandmother grew and she gave a slip to my mother who gave me a slip, probably when I was in my 20's (about 30 years ago). It seems to me a miracle that it is still here. I would have lost the whole thing 8 years ago (mine died) except a plant that I had given to one of my daughters was still living and she very graciously (happily?) gave it back to me. It has now sat for 8 years in this pot. Actually, it looks amazingly well, I think. All it gets is an occasional soaking of water and is then forgotten for weeks. I pull off the dead leaves and apologize to it while doing so and remind myself of how amazing it is that a plant would be in a family for so long. I took a look at it tonight and decided that I was going to start to treat it better and give it the respect it deserves. I promised it that I will have it transplanted into a new pot with new soil and a bit of fertilizer before December 31st, 2010. I will then post an "after" photo in celebration and will continue to give updates on its welfare. Daughters - prepare yourselves to be handed the torch.

Jade Plant Trio

So, since the weather outside is downright frightful I've been looking for ways to make the inside fantastically delightful! In the stores at least - there are signs of spring - bouquets of tulips, packages of spring bulbs, and lots of little houseplants in bright pots. Never guess where I found these little gems (Costco). And there are all kinds to choose from. The lady told me these plants need to be watered at least once a month-  hmmmmm, I wonder if I can manage that (insert smiley face here).

Turn over a new leaf

This poor thing is a begonia. I know, this may seem like a weird subject, but hear me out. This plant (well, its ancestor) has been in our family for at least 50 years. It was a plant that my grandmother grew and she gave a slip to my mother who gave me a slip, probably when I was in my 20's (about 30 years ago). It seems to me a miracle that it is still here. I would have lost the whole thing 8 years ago (mine died) except a plant that I had given to one of my daughters was still living and she very graciously (happily?) gave it back to me. It has now sat for 8 years in this pot. Actually, it looks amazingly well, I think. All it gets is an occasional soaking of water and is then forgotten for weeks. I pull off the dead leaves and apologize to it while doing so and remind myself of how amazing it is that a plant would be in a family for so long. I took a look at it tonight and decided that I was going to start to treat it better and give it the respect it deserves. I promised it that I will have it transplanted into a new pot with new soil and a bit of fertilizer before December 31st, 2010. I will then post an "after" photo in celebration and will continue to give updates on its welfare. Daughters - prepare yourselves to be handed the torch.