Peter came home with this GIANT cup and saucer the other day. I spent quite a while pretending to drink tea from it (unfortunately, and it is a shame, it has a hole in the bottom so I can’t really drink tea out of it). Once I’d stopped giggling like a five year old, I thought it might look rather nice with a geranium in it.
And when I saw the sorry state of the dried out and pot-bound geranium, I thought it was about time I gave all my houseplants a little lift. I know I should do this more often. The lovely Alys Flowers (as Fay calls her) talks about poor little houseplants, overwatered or dried out, with too much sun, or no sun, in tiny little pots, crying out for more room. It’s quite sad, and brings a tear to my eye when I read it. (Often a tear of guilt, knowing that my poor houseplants are themselves trapped in such a state).
I took all my plants outside, and realised that some were already outside, huddling together for warm. They looked quite pretty collected on the patio, which made me think I should have more pots out there next year. 
I didn’t have enough big pots for everything, but they all moved up at least one size, and all had fresh compost and an apology. Some were appallingly potbound. Some were completely dry. Two had been in the garden for weeks, and were soaked through. I don’t know how they’re still alive.
(Goodness, this is quite an embarrassing confession!)
Anyway, here they are, all spreading their roots and settling nicely into their new beds, breathing a sigh of relief, no doubt. The geranium looks quite pleased with its new pot. 
Do you neglect houseplants too? Please tell me it’s not just me! Any tips for being a slightly less useless plant guardian?
a cheerful living adventure 
Oh god, how you made me giggle. I snapped my cheese plant trying to twist it round it’s cocoa pole thingybob. I’ve killed at least 3 yukka plants in my time. And my friend has just entrusted me with her very healthy pride and joy as she has moved to the other end of the UK. I don’t even know what it is. Uh oh! 🙂
Oh dear…guilty as charged. we only have two houseplants – a truly hideous lily-type thing belonging to MrEH, (leaves only, no flowers, which doesn’t endear it to me in the slightest) and my rather lovely Easter Cactus with an identity crisis – it comes into flower whenever it feels like it without the slightest regard for when this is supposed to happen. I’ve had that one about 30 years – probably a bit more, and haven’t managed to kill it yet, mind you….
I have even killed a cactus 😮
Well I feel positively green fingered in comparison to some of you! Vix, you killed a cactus?? I didn’t think that was even possible! You’ve clearly traumatised yours Robyn. And Nicola, I sense impending doom for your new charge… SO glad it’s not just me! Some of mine have even been alive for months, I’m feeling quite virtuous now!