When I was 12 years old, we moved to an old house in Glendale CA. Along the narrow side yard, which was pretty much in the shade all day long, there were long, brick planters filled with a variety of fuchsias.
I fell in love.
They looked like tiny fairies to me, like the ballerinas atop a music box. So delicate, rich in color, and unusual.
My mother, however, detested them. I never did understand why. She kept threatening to yank them all out, and I would beg her to reconsider. Apparently, she heard me, because they stayed in place until we moved to a different home about seven years later.
We have a few fuchsias in pots on our front patio, and my husband tends them carefully. Both of us love to see their blooms and to marvel over their delicacy.
Fuchsias are small things, preferring to hide in the shadows rather than bust their buttons in full sun. I think that’s what I love about them: their fierce beauty, almost hidden in the side pockets of most gardens.
I love coming across beautiful things in unexpected places, don’t you? I know people who are like these flowers, too. They don’t make a fuss, they refuse the limelight, they just sit quietly in the shade and radiate beauty.
I do love all the flowers that bloom in the sunlight, too. And you know — it takes all kinds to make a garden, just as it takes all kinds of people to make a good world.
Oh, these are beautiful flowers, Diana! And, they grow well in the shade? We live in a forest where it’s alway shady in summer; I’d love to plant some of these next year. Thanks for the lovely thoughts, as always, in your posts.
Don’t know how they do if you’re in an area with hard freezes, but ask your local nurseryperson – You could at least have a few in pots.
I love this so much! Love fuschias, and love the way you’ve likened them to people. I tend to be one who stays in the shadows, so hopefully I’m ‘radiating beauty’ while I’m there!
Never fear, my dear. Your beauty radiates all the way to here. 🙂
I always thought fuchsias were fussy and preferred sunshine, so I never tried to grow them. Then I acquired a hanging basket that contained a variety of plants, including a fuchsia… and it did well. It was the same colour as the one you’ve pictured. Although I’ve seen them in other shades, I like this one best. I’m a shade lover and I like your analogy. 🙂
Thank you, Carol. I’m glad you’ve learned to enjoy your fuchsia. I think they’re special – but then you probably guessed that!