I decapitated Leslie this weekend
The last plant I pruned died on impact, so this was a nervy moment.
I wasn’t born with green fingers. In fact, I think I’ve killed more than I’ve nurtured.
It was a patience and judgement problem to begin with.
What do you mean more water isn’t always better?
I didn’t have the patience to be consistent. Water the same thing every day and it will likely reward you by dying,
This didn’t feel like a good trade to me.
As more plants came and died, I was introduced to new complexities; the plant might not want water today, you have to JUDGE it.
The inanimate object seems to only have two methods of communication - it throws its leaves on the floor or they stand erect. How am I supposed to judge that?
“Feel the soil” the elders said.
What started as a burden became a welcome challenge. How many plants can I keep alive?
I learned to observe. To feel. To judge.
I found a seasonal rhythm with each plant. I got to understand its needs and wants.
It needs water, not too much and not too little.
It needs sunlight. You and me both brother!
It wants to move around, to see different places and face in new directions. How would you like to face the same wall all day every day? Variety is the spice of life!
Some like it hot. Some like it cooler. Some can’t make up their bloody minds.
It took years for me to appreciate that not all plants can be treated the same.
They have individual characteristics and traits which only become apparent when you give them their optimal conditions.
If you don’t work to find the conditions they flourish in, the symptoms will vary.
Some droop. Some go an off-colour of grey. Some look ok but you know something’s not quite right.
And some die.
🔸🔸🔸
As we creep into Spring, I’m starting to look forward to more favourable conditions. It’s been a harsh winter and Leslie has absorbed a lot.
I’m hoping for sun, a just reward for her perseverance.
Have you been caring for your plants?
