African Violets

African Violets Information

As people age it is important that they are able to continue doing things that they enjoy. This is often difficult if they are restricted in their mobility, or if their abilities change due to illnesses. The elderly often have struggles with depression because of the number of losses they suffer. Having some type of hobby that they enjoy can help them deal with the depression.

My mother had to leave her home and move to an apartment when she could no longer drive. She was living by herself in a five bedroom farm house and she could not keep it up any more. My mother has always enjoyed gardening. In the late winter she would plant seeds in small moss containers to start her tomato, pepper and squash plants. She did this in the basement and placed them in a windowsill so they would have sunlight and warmth to germinate. There is a garden at the senior building where mom moved to, however she moved at the beginning of winter so I knew it would be a long wait until spring. That year for Christmas my sister-in-law gave my mom a kit for growing Africanviolets.

African Violets Tips

The kit included a grow light, several trays to start slips in and two African violets of different colors. This was the perfect gift. Mom cleared space in the corner of her bedroom to put the light as well as the plants. The room has a large window, but the natural light would not affect the growing light. Mom was pleased to have a hobby that was familiar, yet new.

Mom mentioned the Africanviolets to one of the other residents. The resident told her that she was nursing a violet that had gotten too dry when she was away on vacation. Mom told her to bring the plant over and they would put it under the light. That was the beginning of a new friendship that has grown to be very strong. The two of them now have African violets in many different colors and varieties. They have bought books that they share on how to care for the plants. They have potted so many plants that they are starting to place them in the common areas of the apartment building. They supply each person that moves in one of the African violets as a house warming gift. This hobby has not only cemented a friendship, but it has given my mother a new purpose in her life. I am so thankful that my sister in law gave her this thoughtful gift.