In Praise of the Philodendron

When it comes to houseplants, the philodendron is my favorite. As a kid, I remember my grandmother having these plants in her home, as well as on her front porch during the warmer months. Known for its heart-shaped leaves in varying shades of green, the philodendron is attractive, inexpensive, and easy to grow and take care of. Oftentimes, it is displayed in a hanging basket to allow the vines to cascade down, but you can also train the vines to grow up a totem or trellis. Additionally, some varieties of philodendrons grow upright.

 However, my favorite thing about the philodendron is that it is what I call self-generating. Because it is a vining plant, once it starts filling in and spreading out, you can clip the trailing vines, root them out in water, and create more plants for little to no cost. 

So, if you're new to gardening or just looking for a low maintenance and attractive plant for your home, pick up a philodendron, or two. This plant is a worthwhile investment, to be sure.

Journey Versus Destination

While encouraging a group of second graders to walk in a straight line down the hallway from point A to point B this week, I was reminded of how important the little things in life can be. As I watched them push each other to and fro in order to be closer to the line-leader or to stand by their friends, I could not understand why they were so concerned with where they were in line. After all, isn't the destination -  be it lunch, recess, or English class -  the important thing?

About midway through our excursion, we saw another class walking toward us. As the students passed each other, some waved frantically back and forth, some exchanged haphazard high-fives, and a handful simply stared blankly at the floor. A few seconds later, we passed a popular teacher, and several students stepped out of line to give her a hug. Next, the students noisily navigated the stairs that led to the classroom. Quickly, I unlocked the door and ushered them inside.

As they took their seats, I observed the students as a group. Their faces were animated as they whispered to each other about all they had experienced during our short excursion. It was then that I realized life isn't just about reaching a particular place or position, it's also about the journey, and what we encounter along the way.

Today, as I reflect on the connection between a journey and that journey's end, I can't help but share what I feel is an important lesson for those of us who garden. We start out with a vision of what we want our gardens to look like, and an idea of how we will get from point A to point B. Along the way, we make mistakes, celebrate successes, and have a few days where we just turn our unfocused gazes upon the horizon. And although we enjoy reaping the final product - a beautiful, bountiful garden, we become better gardeners as a result of the journey.


 

The Poinsettia

Poinsettias are traditionally used in holiday centerpieces and floral arrangements during the Christmas season.  They have big green leaves, and their bracts, sometimes referred to as the flower of the plant, can be red, pink, white, and yellow.

In Mexico, its native habitat, the poinsettia grows outside as a perennial shrub, while in colder areas, the plant is kept inside and typically blooms for four to six weeks, then dies back. With special care and attention, it is possible to get a poinsettia to re-bloom.

In my personal experience, the best way to keep the soil of a poinsettia plant evenly moist is to water it with ice cubes. Once a week, or as often as needed, I place three to four cubes around the base of the plant and let them melt.

Although reports differ as to whether poinsettias are poisonous to pets, most sources agree that animals who eat the plant may vomit, drool, itch, and /or develop an upset stomach. So, to keep your pets healthy and your floors and furniture puke-free, display your poinsettia in an out-of-reach place.

Reduce the Waste

In the "Helpful Hints" section of a cookbook I was recently given, cooks grating the peels of citrus fruits are encouraged to use a clean toothbrush to dislodge stuck fragments of the peel from the grater to avoid wasting it.

Although I rarely grate the skins of lemons, limes and the like, I can appreciate an idea that helps one recycle and reuse. So, I would like to contribute my own helpful hint and suggest that in a world where excess is often the norm, planting a garden is one of the best ways I've found to reduce waste. Moreover, gardens are good for the environment, good for the body, and good for the soul. Plant yours today!