Day 938 Foolishly Optimistic

 

This is the time of year when I start to convince myself that I won’t spend money on flowers and plants, and that I’ll simply enjoy what I already have. It’s a lie, of course, but one I try to convince myself of annually. Once spring gets close, I develop an ongoing delusion that I’ll somehow be able to grow a great big tomato plant that will produce delicious red fruits for me to enjoy all summer. I imagine picking cucumbers off a vine and eating one as I sit, lounging in a soft recliner. I’m not sure why, after all these years, I still don’t realize gardening isn’t a skill I’ve mastered.

Indoor plants are another story. I tend to have great success with an abundance of greenery, and a wide variety of indoor plants thrive in my home and office. Two years ago, I saw a giant Chinese Money Plant in a restaurant and set out on a quest to find one. These beautiful plants are also known as Friendship Plants because they produce little offshoots that can be shared with friends. I spent months trying to track one down, not an easy task here in Rhode Island, since they’re rare and native to southern China. Imagine my delight when a friend walked into my office, plant in hand! 

The plant grew happily for about a year, until, for better or worse, I decided to repot it. Plants don’t always enjoy being repotted, even when it’s necessary, and this one definitely showed signs of stress from the process. Leaves began to fall, splints needed to be placed in the soil to support the lanky stems, and I feared the worst. In an effort to save it, I brought the plant home to find the right spot for optimal lighting. Then, like a miracle, tiny green sprouts began to appear—new growth and hope for my special plant.

When I think back to the plant I saw that day in the restaurant, I’m still in awe of its size and beauty. I’m equally impressed with whoever has cared for it all these years. While I may not be able to grow a vegetable garden, I’m determined that my Friendship Plant will grow and propagate enough sprouts to spread its love, allowing me to give beautiful gifts to my friends and family.

After all, sometimes the greatest joy of gardening isn’t about perfect harvests (although, that would be nice), but about nurturing something special and sharing that joy with others. Somehow I already know I'm going to try for success growing tomato plants again this year .....foolishly optimistic or determined?? Maybe a little of both.