As my PR case studies class knows I try to have a green thumb. I own a small garden of succulents and other arid plants and am excited to expand. It sounds weird, right? I’m not sure what I like about growing a personal garden. I think it’s as simple as an appreciation for the wacky ways each species grows and thrives. Like camels, most succulents can store water to survive. This is awesome for me because I only have to water the plants once a week. There are so many different looks and feels to plants and I don’t have to go buy more when I want to expand or add some green in the house.
Most of the plants I own propagate easily. All you have to do is cut a leaf and in a few weeks, it grows its own roots. This makes owning a garden low maintenance and replaceable. Unlike a pet, the only love a plant needs is re-potting when the soil gets old (when the nutrients are gone) and making sure each stalk doesn’t suffocate their neighbor. I think it’s funny how most of these species like to grow close together, but also overtake each other. The roots weave and make a group stronger while each plant races to get the best light.
The most rewarding part of growing plants comes with patience. Seeing the progress of a plant can feel like watching paint dry. When you see roots start to take or a new bud emerge though, you feel like the process was something you accomplished. Think about when you teach your dog a new trick or see them grow from a puppy into an adult. Being there every step of the way and looking back means the world. I’m not saying I love my plants more than dogs but I also can’t afford a vet bill. Lucky for me, I found something to take of that I can leave for a while without feeling guilty.
