Grandma’s Geraniums

My grandma Henley loved geraniums. Actually, she loved all flowers. Her garden was a riot of year ‘round color. A stately blaze of blue, pink, purple, yellow, and red hollyhocks grew wild in the alley behind her house in Charlevoix, Michigan. To honor the woman they loved, her friends named this humble alley, “Hollyhock Lane.” Grandma’s sunflowers and sweet peas were spectacular. But Geraniums were her favorite.

During Victorian times, geraniums symbolized stupidity or folly. But Victorian times were long ago and far away. In today’s world geraniums are a harbinger of happy thoughts and positive feelings. They symbolize, joy, good health, and friendship. They reflect gentility and esteem. Geraniums are often given as housewarming gifts that bring good cheer to the home all year long.

Geraniums are much more than simply cheerful flowers. Geranium oil is used in cosmetics and skincare products. The oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties combat infections and relieve pain. Indigenous South Africans use geranium roots to treat respiratory ailments. Scented geraniums are edible. Citrus-scented geraniums repel mosquitoes, and white geraniums fend off snakes.

During times when it is difficult to survive the daily stress of life, a basket of geraniums can make even the grumpiest person smile. Like my grandma, geraniums have a way of bringing people together and making life more colorful and beautiful.

Grandma Henley passed in 1964. I still miss her every day. I created my series, Grandma’s Geraniums, in her honor. The series reminds us what means the most in life can be found in a simple, humble flower.

Why not gift a pot of geraniums to someone dear to you? It will make their day, and yours, brighter.