a bunch of flowers every so often …

My mother rarely went to town, and I mean made the journey to Southampton to do shopping. It was 10 miles away and although the fare was only 1/9 return it was a long trip and a quite a chunk out of the 30/- (give or take) she had to spend on the essentials she needed to buy. She only did the trip at Christmas and a little before the summer holidays. My mum didn’t work (for the man that is) so any extra came from my dad and his trips to the scrap man or ‘work’ on the side that might amount to an extra £2 or £3 for Christmas gifts or sandals for the summer holidays.

So, while there was no wild expenditure we looked forward to her return with maybe a treat for tea.

One thing I remember that on these days she would bring herself home a treat. I remember it was tiny bunch of flowers some mimosa or freesia with the loveliest perfume. They were gently placed in a vase and took pride of place until their petals dropped.

When we moved to a house in 1960s, we had a garden, and my mum enjoyed and endured many hours growing flowers, fruit and vegetables to feed the family and spent most of her life as a jobbing gardener. She was reluctant to pick flowers from the garden … it seemed harsh to cut them so unceremoniously and shorten their precious lives.  

I have a garden, and I grow flowers, I too am reluctant to bring them indoors. I rarely buy myself flowers they have become so expensive … or have they? I don’t know how much flowers were comparatively in the 1950s. So, my reasoning is probably not valid.

I am trying to address this and give myself a treat too. However, it is difficult to find a supplier that can meet my sustainability needs. So, I think I will have some fun researching. This bunch was not expensive and seemingly the supplier is ‘committed to making long-term positive change for our community and the world around us’

This bunch lasted much longer than I expected and came by Royal Mail and posted through the letter box. Looked lovely and smelt divine and now, much depleted and without water I think will continue to delight!