Words about contentment inspired this series that celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. Join me in the comments and share what you've done with what you have.
“In some Native languages the term for plants translates to “those who take care of us.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
I suppose I've a good dose of my grandmother and mother in me, neither of whom could have a landscape without flowers or a home without plants. Maybe they knew that life brings life, and having it outdoors was wonderful and necessary, but was simply not enough. Inside. Bring the life inside. Green, living on, a bright spot through the dark chill of winter, defying the elements out there.
These plants certainly do take care of us.
And once a week, there at the kitchen sink, I take care of them. I know it's time for their weekly drink when the Oxalis starts to droop. If you've ever struggled with knowing when to water house plants, I know no better guide than this. It's your living indicator for watering day. How much water? Lots. With plant food? Yes. Give a thorough soaking til the water runs steady through the drain in the bottom of the pot. Once, and then again.
Water & trim. I snip the spent leaves and cut back the over-exuberance of the coleus and ivy (philodendron tend to run away, too, if you let them). By next week, tiny new leaves will have sprouted at the site of the cut, making full, bushy plants out of thin, leggy ones. Then, a gentle shot with the faucet sprayer, because a good shower refreshes anyone, plant or person alike.
Maybe one day my weekly waterings will involve a copper watering can, and Japanese shears (yes, I dream about beautiful things). But then again, maybe they won't. Because my blue Ball jar holds water just fine, and grandma's Wiss scissors snip just as well.
Thankfully, the abiding ritual of watering day doesn't depend on what pours the water or what snips the leaves.
Do what you can with what you have.
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