Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett: A Bond of Flowers

Excerpt from script: Fifty three years ago, on October 15th, the I Love Lucy show premiered on television. The sitcom, which starred the real-life husband and wife team of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, was TV’s first smash hit. During the show’s 10-year run, Lucy, who said the secret to staying young was to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age, was clearly the star of the show. Born August 6, 1911, Lucy grew up near the wooded Allegheny wilderness of New York. She was raised mostly by her Puritan grandparents. Lucy worked hard, darning socks, hauling water, and pulling weeds in the garden. Her memoirs said, "Grandmother Peterson had a green thumb, and I have her to thank for my great love for flowers, especially spring flowers." This initial connection to nature played an important role throughout Lucille Ball’s life. One of the most touching stories, involved Lucy’s close friend, comedian Carol Burnett... [Note from Marion Owen: I won't spill the beans here. You'll have to listen to the piece!) This piece is a sample module in the UpBeet Gardener series and first ran on October 15, 2004.