Grocery Store Floral Department

Sometimes a trip to the grocery is like a winter get away for me. We need a few things from the store and I jump at the chance to get out of the house and just be with people who work there. I know few of their names, but they greet me  like old friends... as I walk into the store. Today, I quickly turn to the left and head to my favorite dept....the floral dept. Wouldn't you know? I don't know the manager's name and I intend to find out next time I go there. This very small dept.is just jam packed with Spring. She has a lot of plants and flowers and they don't seem to be packed in.They are displayed so nicely. I see her there, often, pinching this and that...watering, spraying, creating arrangements and talking to customers. I feel like I know her.She always greets me with a smile and we spend time chatting about gardening...even if I don't buy anything. Today it is looking like Valentine's Day and Spring all wrapped into one. Her new selections are Primroses. They just came in and are so fresh and bright...I couldn't resist temptation and bought two. They were very reasonably priced. I could have two of these plants for less than a bouquet. I figured they would last longer...so they went into my cart.She approached me and asked if I had ever bought them before. I said that I hadn't...and she went on to tell me a few tips on keeping these pretty flowers. She lifted one out of the pot and showed me that they were double potted. You half fill the outer pot and set the plant back in to soak for about 15 or 20 min. The dump out the remaining water and be careful not to get the leaves wet. Water like this a couple times a week.Then you dead head and take off any unsightly leaves. They should continue blooming for quite a while....watering like this.They like a bright window and when they are done blooming...they make a pretty green plant that sometimes will bloom again. You can try to plant them outside, when the weather is suitable. Even if you don't do anything but water them....they bring a bit of the garden into our homes for a few weeks in the winter. I can't wait to see what she has coming in in the next few weeks. This is always my favorite stop when out doing errands. 

Today some of the schools are closed around here, because of frigid temps and blowing snow. I was out early taking a little more garbage to the end of the drive. Oh, I appreciate Joe so much more...now that he's laid up. He does so many jobs that I don't want to do around the house.  

Balisha :)