I was in 4-H for 10 years. For 10 years, we sold red geraniums as a fundraiser. To be supportive, my family would often buy flats of these flowers, and I remember planting them at our house, at Grandfather's house, at strangers' houses when they weren't home, etc.
As a result, I refuse to plant geraniums. It isn't that I don't recognize their merit as a flower--I do. They can withstand hot midwestern summers. They're easy to deadhead and bloom profusely all summer. Their weird smell only bothers you if you get very close to them.
I'm just tired of them.Last night, my niece phoned me. "Aunt Bonnie, would you like to buy some geraniums?"
She's started 4-H.
Now I'm in a quandary. No, I would not like to buy geraniums. Yes, I would like to support my niece.
Pause.
"If I buy geraniums, would you plant them at Grandfather's?"
Today I sent a check for half a flat.
So sweet.... TGIF!
ReplyDeleteIf you would not have agreed to buy them for Grandfathers house, I would have said just send some money.
ReplyDeleteTotally with you on this. Geraniums are forever burned into my brain as being synonymous with 4-H, and the very sight and smell of them brings me back to trying to pawn them off on every Tom, Dick and Harry (or Grandma) around. Every year I would try so hard to impress Nancy and Dawn and not humiliate myself with poor sales, but Grandma could only buy so many and mom didn't really like them....sigh.
ReplyDelete