Natalie Litz
Stories (1/0)
GROW Your Happiness
The older you get the more you realize how important the early years of life are and try your hardest to cherish them, just as a child cherishes their blanket. The earliest memories I have held throughout the years involve gardening with my mother and father. Memories of mom’s are always so precious, and mine is like a pearl in the shell of an oyster, pure, patient and generous. She was my first educator, unbeknownst to me; I was about to find a true passion that I will lean on for creative expression. My father also played a role in my journey on understanding the food and homes the plants need to survive. Like a house standing firmly on the ground from root to tip, making sure what is inside is protected, my father taught me how to yield the foundation of the plant’s “house”. From horse poop, to composters, we’ve experimented with a variety of natural materials to utilize. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but in order to grow yourself a green thumb, lots of trial and error is required. However much practice that may occur, the most rewarding part is to see how your efforts have flourished into the life of a plant. As someone who has yet to have my own garden to tend to, I have learned how to use my green thumb to create homes for plants that can live in small places. The main motivation in my pursuit was to help purify the air in my home and increase the flow of oxygen from my plants. There are many different ways to receive the benefits of plants, especially in your home. I eventually wanted to take it to the next level and decided to try my “thumb” at growing herbs, fruits and vegetables. I experimented with using hydroponics and found much success! Once I master the art of plants outside of the garden, I began welcoming more and more plant friends to my home. As a regular shopper at thrift stores, I am usually on the hunt for homes for my plant friends. I discovered that I could use my passion for recycling and utilize it for my plant hobby. I have an endless list of items I am on the lookout to use such as teacups, kettles, creamer bowls, baskets and tires; I get as creative as I can! I take pleasure in finding abandoned items and then creating a new purpose for it. All the junk that our society wastes will just sit around for years to come, so we might as well reuse it and bring it back to the surface. Finding the perfect home for my plants brings me such enjoyment, almost as much as growing them and reaping their rewards. At the end of the day I have brought life to the plants, the homes that contain the plants, and to myself. So, once you have your plant picked out and a home that has been chosen for the plant (whether it is in the ground, on a roof, on a wall, in water, or simply in a pot) go forward with planting. Bathe your plant in plenty of water after transferring from the original growing pot. You may want to use a trowel to ensure a safe passage for your plant friend. As you watch your plant grow, there is usually some pruning involved. This is where you should use pruners, shears or some sort of scissors to cut the dead part off of the plant. Occasionally, grooming is required, which may involve splashing your plant with water or wiping off the leaves. Another way of collecting plants is by propagation. This involves cutting a stem off a stem from a plant you have interest in, and putting the removed stem into water until it grows roots. Once the roots are established, you may transfer the plant to its new home. There are three issues to be aware of with plants. One issue involves a collection of bugs on your plant. Aphids, spider mites and their eggs are relatively easy to get rid of with household products that are safe and non-toxic. Another issue pertains to a fungus or dry rot. When the soil is moist to the touch, but your plant seems to be off and browning, it could be dry rot. In some instances you can save the plant by removing it and placing its roots and affected areas under running water, however, you will need to use shears or scissors to trim away the affected, mushy areas. Providing fresh soil and good drainage can prevent this issue from occurring. The third issue you can come across includes discolored spots on the leaves of your plant. This observation could indicate a disease is forming. Remove the dead leaves and supply with fresh soil. Other than providing the right amount of sunlight and water your plant requires, plus speaking to your plant with love and affection, you will be able to grow your own green thumb. Bringing back childhood memories into the story, just as my parents helped me to be nourished and grow, I have flourished and bloomed into what was meant to be. I love sharing my passions with others and hope to spread those seeds of fervor to all. When you can bring out the crafter in yourself, as well as providing attention to other favorite hobbies, those collaborations can provide so much joy and happiness! I am keen on changing up the medium and becoming inspired by different objects I come across. So, go ahead, pretend you’re Arielle from “The Little Mermaid” and find those interesting trinkets and put them to use in any way, shape or form; create your happiness!
By Natalie Litz3 years ago in Earth