Harriet’s Geranium

The geranium is magnificent today with rich red blooms and green leaves.

Each spring Harriet hangs two pots of them on her condo patio and takes one to her husband’s grave. Last fall, when she learned that I try to winter them over, Harriet gave them to me instead of tossing them in the garbage.

I stored the potted plants in my unheated garage, then let them dry and die. My success was limited—one in nine survived.

The previous winter I had used a different technique on my own geraniums. Based on a tip from a gardening friend, I had removed the dry plants carefully from the soil and hung them upside down on nails in the garage wall. I had about the same rate of success.

I’d like a better success rate. So, if you have any tips, please tell me, either by entering a comment here or emailing me at gardensetc@gmail.com . (My cyberspace tip for novices—emailing is easier.)

Meanwhile, I’m enjoying my solo geranium. It is a Harriet Geranium. It has survived a hard winter, it is beautiful, and it brings joy to my heart.