Aunt Elmo's 90+ year old primrose
About six (or so) years ago my husband's grandfather passed away. I remember that it was in early spring (right when the daffodils were blooming) and it was still quite cold outside. We headed north for the funeral and during our visit, we had the chance to visit with his sister (Great Aunt Elmo) and see her garden. As I suspected, it was beautiful. Small but very well kept and full of promise for the coming year. Tucked in the front yard, beneath a bush (I can't remember what it was) was a beautiful primrose in full bloom. I mentioned to Elmo how much I admired it and she responded with "that flower is over 85 years old." I was shocked... "85 years old...no way." She said "yes, and it blooms all year round. I think it thrives on neglect." As we milled around the garden and then headed off to another relatives house, Elmo approached me and had a small bag in her hand. She thanked us for coming up such a long distance and gave me the small bag. Inside was a start of that very same primrose flower.
As soon as we got home that evening, I quickly planted the flower in my yard and waited for the ambitious little flower to spread it's delicate white flower petals... I waited and waited. The following spring there it was, peeking out of a small clump of snow in mid February. From that day on, each year I would get three or four rounds of flowers. Amazing.
Every year at our family reunion, I would see Elmo and I would keep her posted on how her flower was growing in size. She always had this gentle smile on her face as I would excitedly explain the details of it's location etc.
Elmo died in 2007 and then we moved shortly after that. I was determined to bring the primrose with us to our new house and throughout the transition it was a little touch and go if it was going to make it.
This past weekend, when we came home from our Spring vacation, I walked into my back yard and there it was... full bloom. it was like that little flower was saying "hello... welcome home."
I don't know why it is, but even something can stand the test of times. 90+ years ... that's amazing!
Hey Megan - what a lovely memory of Aunt Elmo. Thanks for sharing this. I'll have to check and see if mom has a start of that primrose, too!
Reply to this
Thanks Jen. Let me know and I will be sure she gets part of the one I have... hope you had fun back east! - Hugs!
Reply to this