“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Confucious
The Mrs. Trueheart -- International Oleander Society photo
Travels With Maggie
A recent walk through a cemetery in Galveston in search of the graves of my ancestors yielded an unexpected surprise.
The historical marker that sent me on a search to discover the oleander connection to my Trueheart ancestors. -- Photo by Pat Bean
A historical marker told me that several varieties of oleander were named after family members of my great-great-great-great-grandparents, John and Anne Trueheart.
Of course I later went on a search to find out which varieties honored them. Except for one exception, the search turned out to be as elusive as the bodies in the Galveston Cemetery, all of which got jostled about by hurricanes hitting the Texas Gulf Coast island.
The one subspecies I found that I believe without a doubt was named after my ancestors is the Mrs. Trueheart. It’s a strikingly deep pink, full blossomed oleander, whose photographic image delighted me.
That I find surprises in my travel and walks with Maggie is not surprising. They’re the reasons why I’m not a couch potato. This one just happened to be a bit more surprising than average.
Unexpected surprise? Now isn’t that an oxymoron?
Trueheart. What a lovely flower and what a lovely name.
How awesome is that to know. Lucky Maggie!
Gorgeous photo.
Thanks Bob, Martina and Kathy
I have a relative from Tyler Texas( grandfather whom I aquired with my mother’s marriage to my step-father) who grew some of the most beautiful roses and one was called Jesus’s Robe…it was crimson and cream colored. I don’t think I have ever seen an oleander or if I have it was so long ago I have forgotten. What a magnificent specimen this one is. I seem to remember you talking about your Canon supershot. I gave mine to my grand daughter and now I miss it terribly. I was able to take so many photos with it and they were wonderful for such a small camera. Now I have a biogger and fancier camera and just get frustrated with it at times. I was a film photograher so the digital world is still slow to grow on me at times.
gypsy
I’m more interested in your Anne Minor Trueheart genealogy than the oleander plant. Yes, it is gorgeous! I’m doing family research for a dear friend in Montgomery County TX. Would like to communicate with you.
It’s my son who is the one who’s been doing all the family research. I will pass your e-mail along to him. I found the Trueheart information fascinating. Thanks for commenting.