Unlike many of you, I will NOT be purchasing any Poinsettia this year.
No, it’s not the economy, though we ARE trimming the budget like everyone else. No, it’s not because I’ve turned Scrooge (though sometimes I consider the idea, inundated by commercialism the way we are) — and have you seen the malls? Makes me wonder if times are as bad as the newscasters claim, or is it simply a matter of economics: retailers are lowering prices to draw us in, ramping up customer service to sell us their products… Some are even resorting to cookies and hot cocoa (a marketing manipulation to which I fully succumb — especially when it’s Williams-Sonoma).
But as usual, I digress. I’m easily distracted that way. I won’t be buying any Poinsettia this year because mine from last year are thriving! Yes, absolutely thriving. Unlike my green peppers (which are finally showing signs of leaf formation), my Poinsettia are growing and glorious.
Granted, I don’t have enormous blooms to show for my efforts, but truth be told, I haven’t been feeding them as well as perhaps I should have been. My fault. But when you’re the type of individual who sometimes forgets to eat yourself, well, you can see how it might affect the other living creatures around you! You can include critters on that list, too. My kids eat when they’re hungry and not a minute before. Then of course, they’re starving. Tortured by a mother who doesn’t care about their health and well-being.
Yes, they tend toward the dramatic. But we do encourage creativity around here!
Back to my plants. They have survived. More than survived, and yours can too (be sure to feed them!). Next year, you’ll celebrate more than the holiday season, you’ll celebrate your gardening talent AND the fact you won these fabulous blooms “free and clear.” Another positive when times are tough. Remember, you can also clip and root them to increase your future bounty — Poinsettia plants make great gifts!
They make great trees, too. Check last year’s blog post for a gander at just how BIG these plants can grow. Unfortunately, this tree no longer exists. The homeowners cut it out and have replaced it with — you guessed it — store-bought potted Poinsettia. Go figure.
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