This violet, seen here when I was renovating my current home, is about – oh, forty years old. At least. It belonged to my paternal grandmother, who always had African violets in her home. When she died in 1990 it came to my mother, who kept it on various kitchen counters in various homes in a lightweight plastic flower pot also seen here.
It survived thusly for decades until my mother and father’s deaths, in 2007 and 2010 respectively, when it came to me. I had it my old house, on yet another kitchen counter, and then I brought it to the house and valley in which I now reside (notice the unpainted window framing, pretty far along in the reno but still…) and, whadda ya know?! WHAM ALAMA-AH-DING-DONG – it exploded. But before it exploded it grew; it spread; it deserved an upgraded pot and it got one… you can’t see it here below, and because WHAM happened, this larger pot (which y’can’t see), sits in the basement waiting for another chance…but here we are, midway toward the explosion…
In fact I think I should split it, if such a thing can be done; it’s got three heads (?) at least, and yes, first I must do a little research so as to not kill it, because that’d be a right drag, a heart hurting possibility that has had me hesitant to do anything at all other than stand back in wonder.
This is it’s third and largest pot and as you see it’s bursting at the seams. An embarrassment of violet riches. Grandma would be so thrilled. Mother would say oh of course it did. For you, it blooms and grows, not for me! Oh mother. Sigh. It’s not personal. This house simply gets more light. And, maybe, it began life near here? Not sure, as that would make the original violet very old indeed. Possible, though; maybe?
Violets are succulents. I love purple and the seductively tactile, rough, almost hairy nature of their leaves. They don’t need much, but – clearly – they love the light in this house. And I love that. Here’s to another forty years? Not for me, but – for it? If I split it, I shall give parts, babies, to my beloved younger things…
According to the interweb, “African violets symbolize or are associated with modesty and virtue. Their understated yet elegant appearance makes them a symbol of humility and integrity. This flower’s simplicity and beauty remind us of the value of modesty in our lives. These flowers also signify devotion and loyalty. Gifting an African violet to someone is a gesture of deep admiration and unwavering loyalty. Whether it’s a close friend or a family member, this flower conveys a message of enduring trust and respect.” Okay.
