August 13, 2013
Plants are People, Too After All

Some of my best friends have always been of the green variety.  Yes, I hold plants  very dear to my heart.   I guess it's because they ask for scant little and in return provide so much. The pleasure in nurturing  growing fauna is just something you cannot explain unless you experience it first hand. 

In my world, plants and trees even have names.  

Last year I planted a  cottonwood tree in my yard.  He's known as "Peter Cottonwood".  The little blue spruce that I adopted this spring, "Bruce", will one day be a mighty tree, I have no doubt.  And the maple that came to live with me this summer, Miss Marple, will hopefully grow and flourish to provide lovely shade in the yard.

And it's not just the trees I cherish, but all of the plants that share my living space as well.  They're old friends- family even.  What makes my plants so cherished is that most have come from friends and family who have generously shared them with me. 

The Christmas cactus that my mom gave me will (hopefully) live for years to come and the angel begonia, given to me by my dear friend, is a thing of joy that blooms constantly to my great joy.  Plants are such good companions.

My mother's entire hand is green.  She has always had the gift of growing in her fingertips and I like to imagine that I have inherited a fraction of that myself.  Mom's beautiful potted plants have always graced her space both inside and out. 

The first plant of my very own was a gift from her when I turned sixteen years of age.  It was a beautiful polka-dot plant with pink and green leaves and I cherished it.  I will admit that it did not survive the years since then but it remains fondly in my memory.  That was the start of a beautiful relationship.

Yes, plants can truly become friends. 

But as you strive to nurture and protect your plants, sadly some will just not survive.  And the guilt that follows the death of a  plant, for me, is not easily overcome. Sometimes it's because I'ved forgotten to give them a drink, or set them in a spot where they're not to keen (some plants can be so touchy).

 I, in fact, have always had a soft spot for ailing plants and relish the challenge of reviving them to new health.

It's a challenge and one that I enjoy.

Sometimes the cause is lost though.  That's when a trip to the local green house is in order.  Thank goodness for the professional folks - they know what they're doing.  They're in the business of growing things after all. 

So, why not consider adopting a plant or two.  Or planting a tree.  Better yet, go out on a limb and give it a name.  Then sit back and watch it grow.  You won't be disappointed, I guarantee it. And you might discover a new friend.