Happy Memorial Day
- Me with my mother, Marilyn Wilt
Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering those that have died while serving in the armed forces, but it’s also a day that many simply remember those that have passed on before them.
I love the idea of remembering loved ones in our garden, and have a yellow rose bush planted in my garden in memory of my mother. Mom was the person most responsible for turning me into a gardener, and yellow roses were her favorite flower. Every time that rose bush blooms, I think of her.
When someone passes on, we traditionally give the folks mourning gifts of flowers or plants. I’d like to advocate the giving of plants that will live on in memory of the deceased. My mother’s best friend sent African violets, my mother’s favorite houseplant, to the funeral home when she died, and those went home with me. Again, every bloom reminds me of her.
Some thoughtful soul sent a rose bush to the funeral home, upon the death of my sister-in-law. Her daughter has the bush planted at her home, and I’m sure it brings her comfort to see it living on.
Has anyone else planted flowers or plants in memory of a loved one? I’d love to hear your stories.
May 28, 2012 - 11:49 PM
I’ve not necessarily planted in memory of others specifically. What I do have are several plants that were ‘transplants’ from flowers and shrubs owned by people dear to me. Camellia, Forsythia, Peony, Daylilies, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and yes Roses, too. Several others too numerous to mention.
I’m not sure if I have any plant that originated with me, LOL! All bring sweet memories each time I take the moment to consider them.
Some years back, I began doing the same thing – giving a living plant instead of cut flowers. I tried to make it somewhat topical, if possible. It provides a connection that I think is important. Life is transient, and we need to try to bridge every generation possible.
Yellow roses, something about them just says ‘Mom’, right? I bet they smell sweet, too.
Among my plants above are ones from Mother, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and even two that were transplants from great grandmothers who got them from their respective grandmothers. Those plants would have been alive 150 years ago.
Thank goodness I wasn’t taking care of them then, with my luck I would have killed them for sure!
A heads up for anybody with tomato plants, especially young ones just set out!!! Saw what looked like flea bettle damage on a few leaves, so doused them down with a spray. I’ll see said the flea.
No, I have not planted anything in rememberance of loved ones. I do have a fig tree/bush that my dad dug for me and I nurse it through each winter. He also liked gardenias but I have not had success with growing them here. I like the idea of giving flower plants instead of cut flowers
I planted my 30 heirloom tomato plants the other day. Also the 24 pepper plants. Planted some more carrots and bunching onions -maybe they will sprout. Also planted a couple yellow squash seeds and zucchini seeds. The rain last night was most welcomed. Just picked a gallon of strawberries – not a good year. Have seen adult potato beetles on the ‘tators so have been doing a morning and evening check of the plants and squashing the ones we find.
Deep Roots – take pictures of all of the flowers in case I don’t get out to see them.
I need some help folks. First, I am not a gardener and have no real desire to be. However, I love fresh tomatoes. This year I have planted a single tomato plant. It is now about 24 inches tall. The main stem has a split about 9 inches from the ground. The split portion of the plant is growing but is slightly smaller than the main stem. Should I pinch off this split so that the main stem can grow stronger or should I leave it alone? At this time all of the blooms are still coming from the main stem. If I leave the split much longer I believe it will develop blooms as well. I would be grateful for any advice any of you have. Many Thanks!
I thought I posted this yesterday evening but it did not show up this morning so trying again. Not sure what I am doing wrong – I am human. Heads up on the strong storms coming tomorrow afternoon – especially if you have planted plants recently in the garden. Deep Roots – hope the flowers survive. Maybe you better get “Before” pictures.
Here is yesterday’s comment-
No, I have not planted anything in remembrance of loved ones. I do have a fig tree/bush that my dad dug for me and I nurse it through each winter. I do have some of his Egyptian Multiplier Onions that are growing. He also liked gardenias but I have not had success with growing them here. I like the idea of giving flower plants instead of cut flowers
I planted my 30 heirloom tomato plants the other day. Also the 24 pepper plants. Planted some more carrots and bunching onions -maybe they will sprout. Also planted a couple yellow squash seeds and zucchini seeds. The rain last night was most welcomed. Just picked a gallon of strawberries – not a good year. Have seen adult potato beetles on the ‘tators so have been doing a morning and evening check of the plants and squashing the ones we find.
Deep Roots – take pictures of all of the flowers in case I don’t get out to see them.
Leo Lady: not sure if you’re describing a break in the plant, a sucker or an additional stem. If you think it’s going to develop blooms, then it wouldn’t be a break or sucker, but for either of those, definitely cut it off. For a healthy secondary stem, for me it depends on what kind of tomato it is, but regardless, cutting the secondary stem will help produce more vigorous fruit on the main stem. Fine Gardening has a good article on tomato pruning at http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/pruning-tomatoes.aspx. Hope that helps!
Not only do many of my plants (everything from irises to Hawthorn trees)connect me to at least three generations of family gardeners,simple things like tending the tomato patch, starting a violet from a leaf or chopping cabbage for kraut always bring thoughts of my parents and grandparents. DCarol, I am trusting that the memories of the wedding gardens will be good ones (and wish I had enough spare time today for photographing!). The vegetables are growing…pretty much everything is planted except for cannellini beans and I’ve misplaced (or eaten) the seeds I’d saved.
Deep Roots: I know exactly what you mean. Every year, when I’m sitting on the porch working my way through a bunch of corn to put into the freezer, I can hear my grandmother say “You kids get on out there and shuck that corn!” One grandmother taught me how to shuck corn, one taught me how to shell peas and string beans. My mom is the one that taught me propagation.