Many years ago I had a house full of growing plants. Over the years we got rid of all of them. You can’t be in Florida seven months at a time and expect inside growing greenery to survive.

Even outside plants were challenged by our absences. In Michigan, we did ok with outside geraniums and perennials like hostas. In Florida, while we were up north, the hot dry summers killed a lot of the plantings we tried outside. We finally settled on a few durable plants that survived well despite Florida’s heat. Poinsettias generally grow fine for a few years. I also planted a miniature rose which is doing fine. One year we tried pansies but they croaked in a hurry.

We had an inside the house potted palm which we tried to leave inside, but it was nearly dead when we got back. John planted it outside and boy, did it grow! He moved it to a place under our master bedroom window. Located there, it’s been thriving and expanding and looks lovely. He also planted a couple Michigan house plants outside our Florida condo and they are now the size of trees.

Last month I bought a potted palm for my great room, but apparently I don’t do well with inside palms so it’s nearly dead. Today I took pity on it and moved it outside and will plant it as soon as I have time (or I’ll get Mark to do it).

I’ve also killed a variable philodendron (considered extremely hearty but some white fuzzy looking bugs killed it) and some Christmas cactus which didn’t make it under my care. My orchids do ok until the blossoms fall off. (I’m trying to keep them going for possible second blooms by putting them on the lanai.) My hanging geraniums on my patio only lasted about a month but last week I replaced them with drought resistant spider plants (which I haven’t killed yet). Today I bought a lovely Norfolk Island Pine. I hope it survives my care-giving.

I hate to keep buying more, but if that’s what it takes to have growing plants in my place, I will.