There’s a Little Bit of Irony in My Version of Retail Therapy
… especially when it is initiated by plant loss. To be clear these plants will not be living in THAT garden. They are for my community plot and the roof.
I spent $18.99 plus federal and provincial taxes of my hard-earned dollars on this plant, an Echeveria ‘Black Prince.’ I think we can all agree this trumps the $7.99 sempervivum. I have never seen such a thing and when I saw them sitting in a small cluster at the store I had to have one regardless of the outrageous price. They had more at the store that were in bloom. The flowers are red unlike the familar blue/grey Echeveria that has orange flowers. I actually walked around the entire garden centre twice silently contemplating the madness of this purchase before giving in, an act that I think shows some attempt at thoughtful restraint and impulse control.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
That is beautiful. I would have bought it for you if I had been there. Well, I also would have picked one up for myself.
xo
June 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
That is one gorgeous plant! I’m not sure I’d pay so much for it… but I’m not sure I wouldn’t, either. I may have to keep an eye out for that one. Regardless, you deserve a treat after the week you’ve had.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Wow, that’s gorgeous! I just got a bunch of succulents for a few containers I have.. “The Black Prince” would have been a nice addition!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Well, there’s a time and place for restraint and impulse control and there’s a time and place for buying your heart’s desire. I think you made a wise and necessary purchase. Plus I count one, two, three large plants and maybe a baby in that container. So the cost per plant is pretty reasonable.
It really is a handsome black prince. I’m tempted to go look for one this weekend.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:12 am
very nice!
June 6th, 2008 at 2:57 am
Sometimes something in a shop just pulls at my heart strings. I do not splurge often, so when I feel that pull, I’ve learned to give in. I think that if you walked around contemplating it that long, you would have regretted not buying it. I promise you won’t wake up at 2am and think “OH NO! I wish I had that $18!” but I bet you would have been sad that you didn’t bring it home!
It’s beautiful, I hope it fills up a big giant container and is very fruitful for you.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Gayla, which garden centre did you go to? I’m also in Toronto but not sure where to score such interesting plants!
June 6th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Hanah: These plants are from Fiesta Gardens (South of Dupont and just West off Christie. I don’t remember the name of the side street but you’ll see Fiesta Farms the grocery store right at the corner. Fiesta Gardens is just a little further in). It’s the best selection I can find in one place as someone living downtown who also doesn’t drive or have access to a car. I frequent lots of other stores too but Fiesta has a bit of everything. Just don’t go there for soil.
Elaine: The large red plants are shiso. There are also 4 pots of different types of basil, zinnias, marigold like ‘Lemon Gem’ but larger, and lots of nasturtiums for my hanging basket.
Everytime I go I fill up exactly one small box because it is all I can carry by hand.
The echeveria is a tender succulent so I’ll have to find a spot for it indoors over winter if I want to get value for my dollars.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I believe that your impulse to reward yourself with something so beautiful and simply all about ‘you & what you do’ is RIGHT ON … I think your hard-earned money has been very well spent!!!
… out of the ashes rises something truly royal and hearty!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Wow, what a beautiful plant! And I can’t think of anything better to indulge retail therapy with…I agree with bre, it is a reward, an indulgence that is all about you.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Ooh, a succulent! And I love the name: Black Prince.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Ooh, I love that black/purple color. What kind of care do these require?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
wow! that’s gorgeous!
June 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
The money is so not the point. You liked it, and it made you feel good to bring it home, a feeling you needed that most likely will not go away for as long as the little darlin’ lives; there is nothing wrong with that. As therapy goes, it is actually quite cheap!
June 8th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
That’s a sexy little plant. I hope it brings you tons of joy. Yes, Fiesta Farms is wonderful.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 am
I think the 18.99 was worth it. Sometimes we can’t be cheap as we normally are. I know how you feel and I rarely give in to an expensive plant purchase unless it’s something I’ve never seen before.