No Limits Ladies.com

When I was young and foolish, I would bring home any houseplant that caught my eye at the gardening center. Yes, I was a plant tramp. Shiny leaves? Colorful flowers? A fern (I love ferns, my fave)? I had to have it.

And needing to take them home right away, I didn’t do the frugal thing and ask around for clippings (most houseplants can be grown by clippings, I simply clip, stick in some dirt and then water regularly). I paid. Sometimes…gasp…full price.

Then I promptly killed them off. Usually with the first vacation I took. Or during a busy week at work (didn’t think of watering the plants when I got home around midnight, only wanted to eat and sleep).

Now, older and wiser, or at least older, I’ve accumulated a collection of plants that can go two weeks without watering (I’m actually known as the family expert in this). Oh, and plants that can survive skating rink temperatures (former figure skater here) during the winter. When people try to give me plants, the first question I ask is “how often does it need to be watered?” (Maybe that’s the reason for us not being able to have kids).

You might be laughing. Calling me someone with a black thumb. But do you plant annuals in the same spot year after year? Have you ever asked yourself why? When there are perennials that can do the same job?

There’s a plant out there for everyone (even plastic plants for the completely hopeless). Save money and hold out for the perfect one.