My New Happy: Grandma's African Violet

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Grandma's African Violet


When my husband and I got married and moved into our first apartment, my grandmother gave us an African Violet as a housewarming gift.  

As she handed the little purple flower to me, I was a bit dismayed.  I'm pretty hopeless when it comes to keeping plants alive.  I figured by the next time she came to visit it would be dead. She assured me that African Violets are a hardy plant and easy to care for.  Apparently she had more faith in my horticulture skills than I did.

That was 24 years ago.  Not only is it still alive, but it blooms regularly and is as beautiful as the day she gave it to us.  Other than each other, it's one of the few things we have from our newlywed days.

We have replanted it over the years, and I have to confess that I let my husband take care of it most of the time, since his thumb is much greener than mine.  Several times we thought it wasn't going to make it, but in the end it always lives to bloom another day.

My grandmother passed away suddenly almost eight years ago.  Every time I look at my African Violet sitting in the kitchen window, it reminds me of her.



I miss you, grandma.  Thanks for having so much faith in me.

Linking up with Thursday Favorite Things

17 comments:

  1. No one has more faith in us than our family, and how great that is.
    I love that your African Violet not only survived but seems to have thrived. A wonderful tribute to your grandmother's faith in you.

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    1. Yes, that's one of the wonderful things about family! Thank you for your kind comment.

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  2. I've never tried to grow an African Violet. In fact, I didn't know any houseplant could last as long as yours has! I'm so glad you have had such a lasting reminder of your Grandmother.

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    1. I had no idea either - and certainly not while under my care!

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  3. What a beautiful story! Grandma's always no best!

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    1. Yes, they certainly do! Thank you for stopping by.

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  4. Hi Lana, my mom had African violets and they are such a pretty plant. How nice that she gave you a plant and it's still alive! Enjoy the rest of the week.
    Julie

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  5. I love this! We had ivy centre pieces at our wedding and I love that mine is still alive. What an amazing gift from your grandma!

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    1. Thanks Jordan. Ivy centre pieces must have been so pretty!

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  6. This is so interesting. I have an ivy that my mom gave me over 18 years ago and it's still living. When I water it, I wonder how long it will last. At least a few more years according to your African violet! How special that your grandmother gave it to you and it's still living!

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    1. I had no idea ivy could lat that long either. Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. That's such a wonderful story! How nice to have a beautiful violet to remind you of your grandmother!

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    1. Thanks Amy. It is such a nice reminder of her.

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  8. What a beautiful story! I have never been able to keep a house plant that long! It's so great that your violets are thriving and will always remind you of your Grandmother.

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm pretty sure I would have killed it by now if it wasn't for my husband!

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