Monday, May 15, 2017

A Spot of Color on a Gray Day - African Violets


While food shopping recently, this gorgeous African Violet caught my eye. Of course, it came home with me. My father's sister Alice was a gardener, a cook, and a lover of African Violets. She had a two-shelf white iron flower cart which was filled with African Violets in her dining room. When we were young, my aunt would allow my brother and me at the florist to pick out new violets to add to her collection. I guess that stayed with me as I also have a few African Violets in my home
. . . nothing crazy . . . just nine or so. When they are not blooming, they reside in my sewing room. Once they begin blooming, I move them to a table in the living room to enjoy them. Here are the rest of the ones in bloom right now. This top one has been in bloom for a couple of months.



I'll bring this one downstairs soon. Luckily, there always seems to be a few in bloom.


My African Violets seem to thrive on somewhat benign neglect. When I remove water from my fish tanks, I add it to my watering can with a pinch of "Jack's Classic Blossom Booster 10-30-20." They do get good diffused light for most of the day. I try to remember to water them on Sunday mornings after church, but sometimes that doesn't happen and it could be ten days or so before I get around to doing it. (I don't recommend that.) I water them from the bottom and let them drain well. They seem to take it all in stride.

One last photo from last week's visit to Jenny Pond, this little guy seems to be giving me the eye.


He was busy preening but paused long enough for this quick shot.

Exciting news!!! Harvey Leonard, Channel 5's crack weatherman just said that the sun will make a return tomorrow. O Frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

2 comments:

  1. My grandma had an awesome collection of African violets. I never could grow them. . .I guess I needed to be neglectful! What a great photo of that duck. I love the angle!

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  2. I think a big part of success is having the right light.

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