Laughing at Ria or Lia.

The other day I visited my parents in law. Despite her high age, my mother in law is still a keen gardener. For the two of us, a visit to a garden centre is a wonderful getaway.

It may be cold outside, but the sun is shining in the garden centre’s the greenhouse. In the garden centre it is plenty of spring! Like a magnet we are drawn to the tables with spring flowers. All those lovely violets, daffodils, grape hyacinths and hyacinths; we would like to buy them all!

Suddenly my attention is drawn to a small yellow flowering bulb. "Look Mum, this is the Lachenaria". Often, I have seen this bulb on television, but never could buy one. Immediately I put three Lachenaria’s in the shopping cart. Nice! My mother in law puts another three in there too. We will plant these together with some violets in her wicker basket.

Later that afternoon my mother in law asks: "What’s that name again of that yellow bulb?" "Lachenaria" I repeat.” "Lachenaria? (In Dutch: Laugh-at-Ria) That is easy to remember my mother in law said wittedly, because her name is Ria”. She makes a great word play!

But then back home again as I look on my computer to see how hardy the Lauchenaria is Google says: you meant: Lachenalia

Alas I made a mistake. It is Lachenalia, In Dutch: Laughing-to-Lia.

So much for the nice word play. I am wondering, shall I tell her or not?

romantic rose garden

Lachenalia for sale.

Together with crocus.......

.........on the garden table.

Solo Lachenalia.

In a vase.

Part from the garden of my mother in law.