A Winnipeg Beach woman’s birthday geranium is still going strong years later — and this spring, it’s putting on its most impressive show yet.
A geranium and an orchid are spreading some springtime cheer with overly abundant blooms.
Sandie Williams was given a geranium a few years ago for her 80th birthday and it has “never stopped blooming.” With spring on the way, the plant has kicked into overdrive, displaying dozens of flowers and buds.
“It’s absolutely beautiful. I counted 22 blooms on it and they’re about the size of a grapefruit,” said Williams. “There’s more coming and some buds that haven’t bloomed yet. The colour is beautiful.
The geranium was purchased from a nursery in Selkirk.
When asked what her secret is to get plants to thrive, Williams said there could be a number of factors: her south-facing sunroom, the heater under the window, stimulating conversation, plant food on occasion and a non-human housemate for company – a tomato plant.
“I do talk to the geranium,” said Williams. “And I planted some tomato seeds and they’re growing up tall beside the geranium. I did give the geranium some plant food once in December, but it’s been blooming constantly for two years.”
Some geranium varieties are small, growing to about five or so inches tall. But some varieties can grow to a few feet or more.
In addition to indoor love, Williams takes the geranium outside in the summer, hanging it from her deck. Giving it the freedom to enjoy fresh air and the great outdoors might be contributing to the plant’s overall happiness and willingness to please Williams.
Her friends and neighbours said they’ve never seen a geranium like it.
“Anybody I showed it to has never seen anything that big or beautiful; they’re absolutely amazed,” said Williams.
One of Williams’ friends also has the magic touch when it comes to plants. Her orchid “bloomed like crazy” with about 34 flowers.
