Over the years I have planted and cared for a wide variety of plants and flowers. Whether it is a particular color, a captivating fragrance, a distinctive foilage formation or a specific time and length of bloom, each has a unique appeal. But, aside from these fascinations, it is the appeal of my heart and memory. The choosing of the Hibiscus as my favorite flower did not happen at first sight or overnight. It happened later on in life when I began to better appreciate and fully understand certain childhood events and the people that made them possible.
At age 9, I traveled to my Uncle's farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Too often at this tender age we take a lot for granted. I recall picking the largest and juiciest blackberries, chasing rabbits and avoiding the wrath of honking mother geese with their long protruding necks and outstretched wings. While sitting on a family bench overlooking a huge pond where I was serenaded by countless crickets and bullfrogs and enjoyed the scented aroma of the forever rambling honeysuckle observing the beauty of the family gardens. It was on this farm that I salvaged Civil War memorabilia from a dilapidated barn and was given the family history of the role my Great Uncle's farm served during this time. I can remember watching my Mother and Grandmother carefully digging up a large Hibiscus bush which was in full bloom with huge scarlet blossoms and yellow centers. There was great concern about the proper transplantation with their fingers crossed, they carefully divided the plant and meticulously prepared it for relocation to Pennsylvania.
At age 25 I obtained a division from mother's Hibiscus. At the tender of age of 56 and after two relocations my, Hibiscus continues to thrive and offers enjoyment to my family and friends. This plant most certainly has a history and story to tell and I am reminded of this on a daily basis as I watch it mature into a massive eye-popping display of natural beauty with its large scarlet blooms and plush green leaves. For me this Hibisicus is surely my favorite flower and my personal fountain of youth!
