Old and New

I love plants, and I have a green thumb...... courtesy of my paternal grandmother Mamie, and my mom. Tonight, I thought I would share with you all my oldest plant and my newest one. Before I share those stories with ya'll I will tell you this, when you enter our house in the winter, it is like walking into a forest. We have 14 foot ceilings in our great room and the first thing you see is a lemon tree and a grapefruit tree that touch the ceiling. Then you might notice a ten foot mango and a couple of avocado trees that are maybe eight feet tall. And all around there are various other plants, the only time I ever wish that we lived in a large house is when I need more space for the plants.

Now for the oldest plant I care for......it belonged to my mom's mother Wilma and she gave it to my mother in 1964.

It is a big old philodendron, that summers on the patio out front by the screen porch and winters in the guest room.

Its leaves are almost a foot long, the trunk is 6-8 inches in diameter. Its place of honor in the guest room is in front of the bed. Needless to say, there is not much walking around space but you do get a feel of sleeping in the outdoors. Don't panic, if you ever spend the night with us, there are nice soft deep forest green flannel sheets and big fluffy pillows. A good

night's sleep is our guarantee!

Now, the newest plant to live here, was given to me by a dear friend a few short weeks ago. Believe it or not, all these plants and no bamboo! So my friend gave me this sweet little planter with two beautiful bamboo stalks nestled in river stones.

Another cherished old plant, is a begonia that Mamie gave to my mom in the seventies and now it lives with me. I feel so special to have these treasures in my home. There is a Christmas cactus that was in full bloom when my mom made her transition and it has never bloomed since.......five years. So if any of you have suggestions on how to get her to bloom again let me know.

Of course there is a pot of shamrocks, and a kitchen window sill full of violets. I do share, the philodendron has a baby right now, that needs a new home and I have a cutting from the begonia that is rooted and ready to move in with a nice family.

There is something mystical about caring for these plants. The trees that I mentioned earlier were all started from seeds that my mom planted. I do hope that if they are all still living when I make my transition that someone will want them, and love them and care for them. They are a part of me, really a part of my heritage, of who I am.