ROOTED IN LOVE – Revelations of a Plant Loving Grandma by Pennie Hunt

“You are the plant grandma.”
Said my grandson from the backseat.
I always learn interesting things when my grandchildren are in the backseat of my car.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
“Well, you are the grandma with plants all over her house and you always give them to mom.”

This conversation came on the heels of my husband mentioning that our house was turning into a jungle. I immediately corrected his assessment of my plants and explained why he was wrong. After hearing the comment from my grandson, I wondered if my husband was right.

I have always loved plants. I remember having a plant in my bedroom when I was in junior high. When my grandmother passed, I inherited her Christmas cactus. I am not sure how long she owned it, but I successfully kept it alive for over 20 years.

I realize I attach meaning to plants according to how they came to me. I have plants from my dad and son’s funerals. I have violets that came from my mom’s best friend who was like my grandmother. Over the years I have propagated them and shared their violet flowers with friends and family.

The oldest plant I have arrived in a small planter in the shape of a bassinet and was delivered to me in the hospital the day my oldest son was born. When my mom sent this plant I doubt she thought it would still be alive 47 years later. Like so many of my plants tiny snips of leaves from it have grown into beautiful plants for so many others.

When I heard these comments, I realized I have been acquiring, producing, and increasing my plant numbers in the past few years. I put some thought into why. I have come to a few observations and conclusions.

I have a real connection to the fact that plants are alive and living. Indoor plants cannot survive on their own. They need to be nurtured, fed, watered, and cared for. They are dependent on a person to do this. I am a peacemaking caretaker, so sign me up – I love taking care of plants. Plants fill us with nurturing hearts and the knowing that because of us they thrive.

I love the ritual of picking out pots and containers, feeling the dirt in my hands as I am repotting plants, polishing their leaves, and finding just the right space for them to flourish.

I understand that if the soil isn’t healthy and the roots aren’t strong the plant will not be strong or healthy. This is much like a person- the foundation, health, and strength of our human roots play a major role in our lives.

Plants need light. The biological process of photosynthesis allows plants to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy that they can use for food and growth. Humans need light. Sun on our faces and light in our hearts bring energy to us and to the way we live.

Plants bring the outdoors in. Having small pieces of nature in our homes fills our eyes with the breath of green that nature holds.

There have been studies that say plants purify the air and reduce allergies. That plants can reduce stress and depression. That plants create a more comfortable work environment. That a plant in a hospital room can shorten the patient’s stay. And that horticultural therapy successfully uses plants and activities with plants support healing and rehabilitation.

Yes, I am a plant lady and I have several plants in my home. They will continue to grow and produce more. I have a difficult time clipping leaves and throwing these live clippings away, so they go in a jar of water to grow strong roots and flourish into beautiful new plants for me to care for. They become gifts of love to others.

I will proudly be the plant grandma and my jungle will continue to grow.  I encourage you to get a plant of your own.  
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                                                    Pennie’s Life Lesson:
             Welcome the calming presence of plants into your home and heart. 
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​YOUR TURN...        
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