I bought this plant last year that is supposed to have the most beautifully scented flowers. It's called a "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" bush because of how the flowers bloom: on the first day the blossoms are purple, the second day they fade to lavender, and the third day they are white. Consequently, on a flowering bush you will see three different colours of flowers. It's really quite gorgeous.
As soon as I planted the little bush, however, it died. All the leaves fell off. It was just a bunch of sticks - tiny, sad looking sticks. I thought maybe the plant was in shock or just needed to adapt to its new environment, so I kept watering it.
Five months later the plant was still dead and I was still in denial, so I kept tending to it.
Nine months later the plant was still dead and I had moved into stage 2 of plant grief - disorganisation and anger. Should I pull it out? Should I leave it and hope it comes back to life? I spent so much money for that plant!
Eleven months later the plant was still dead and I was entering the "isolation and depression" phase - maybe I just can't grow plants in South Africa. Maybe I should give up.
Last week I pulled weeds and planted seeds for my vegetable garden. I went around the side of the house to finally pull up the flower bush. This is what I found:
If you only saw the photo, you would think it to be a pathetic little plant. In knowing the story, however, you realise it's actually quite a triumph.
It's the same with people.
As soon as I planted the little bush, however, it died. All the leaves fell off. It was just a bunch of sticks - tiny, sad looking sticks. I thought maybe the plant was in shock or just needed to adapt to its new environment, so I kept watering it.
Five months later the plant was still dead and I was still in denial, so I kept tending to it.
Nine months later the plant was still dead and I had moved into stage 2 of plant grief - disorganisation and anger. Should I pull it out? Should I leave it and hope it comes back to life? I spent so much money for that plant!
Eleven months later the plant was still dead and I was entering the "isolation and depression" phase - maybe I just can't grow plants in South Africa. Maybe I should give up.
Last week I pulled weeds and planted seeds for my vegetable garden. I went around the side of the house to finally pull up the flower bush. This is what I found:
If you only saw the photo, you would think it to be a pathetic little plant. In knowing the story, however, you realise it's actually quite a triumph.
It's the same with people.
4 comments:
Exactly! That. Is. Beautiful.
Hey! We have that bush in our backyard. I love the three colour flowers too. Now whenever I see that bush I'll think of you and your triumph plant. Thanks!
-adina
I love it.
I didn't know they grew in California, too! Super cool... :)
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