I am a serial killer… Of plants that is. It’s most definitely not a deliberate choice. On the contrary, I love the idea of a green haven of blossoming plants. I just can’t seem to achieve it, and it’s not for the want of trying either.

So, you can imagine my shock when I opened my door to a friend bearing this lovely healthy orchid. Surely that couldn’t be for me?!? There’s a whole range of terrifying implications of the plant-gift. Foremost on my mind – will this plant be viewed as a metaphor for my friendship?

The orchid was beautiful… The discerning reader will notice the subtle shift to past-tense here. Despite my BEST efforts it still underwent a gradual demise following the inevitable way of all my other horticultural endeavors. And my friend? Well our relationship goes from strength to strength.