WalMart plants remind me of kids who come from a difficult socioeconomic background. They need extra food and water, love, and time. But if you are willing to invest a little of yourself, especially time and love, they grow up as strong and beautiful as nursery flowers.
These Petunias needed some deadheading and cleanup for sure, and they had a sad little hole in the center where the stalks had all been pushed aside and were a little smooshed. But I loved their brightness and saw potential.
These two little guys needed a little work. The one on the left lived outside for a bit last summer; he didn't like it. The one on the right is from Big Momma and just needed a bigger pot. These guys have mostly outgrown their pots and needed fresh soil.
Don't they look happier now? I think they will be much happier together. Sometimes a change of scenery and soil is just the thing.
These two guys have fantastic potential, but they have already outgrown these pots. Their poor little roots are coming out of their pots. They need room to grow. They could stay in these pots, but they'd never reach their potential. How sad would that be?
See how much happier they are with room to grow? And I'd bet that within a couple of months, provided I don't neglect them, they will need even bigger pots.
And of course, it's time for making babies! My favorite. Notice the little brown bumps on the stalk of the pieces on the left? That is where their little roots will begin to grow. I love this part, watching them root and grow. I'll keep adding water to this glass, and their roots will keep on growing until they are ready to be planted. I've found that the longer I let them root, the better they will grow later.
These plants aren't particularly high maintenance. But they do need to be noticed. Acknowledged. Given occasional love and attention. Kind of like people.
