Harping on Houseplants

Over the past month or so, while waiting for the weather to warm up (and stay warmed up), I have given a great deal of attention to my houseplants. As such, most have been repotted, fertilized, and / or repositioned in different areas of the house. The goal? To maximize their health and encourage growth.

Apparently, I'm not just obsessed with my own houseplants. I've also started noticing indoor plants at businesses I visit. Just the other day, for example, I saw a beautiful plant on the counter at the Dr.'s office and suddenly, I had an overwhelming desire to reach over and grab a clipping or two.

Although I left the Dr.'s office empty-handed, I'm not bitter. And I'm sure once I start working in my garden and flower beds, my focus will shift from what is growing inside to what is growing outside. In the meantime, we'll see how the follow up appointment goes in a few weeks.

Return of The Wooden White Duck

He's back! The wooden white duck is once again sitting on the front porch, his long, white neck extended gracefully as he looks at the trees in the front yard and watches the flowers bloom (see blog from 09/12/18 - titled The White Wooden Duck).

Butterflies flit, bees buzz, and birds dart to and fro. Cars drive by, some slowing down ever so slightly. "Are you looking at me?" A rhetorical question? Maybe, maybe not. After all, white wooden ducks and porches are nothing new.

The weather is warm once again and the flowers are getting ready to bloom. And the duck? He sits contentedly on the front porch and watches the cars drive lazily up and down the street.

To Nurture or Not to Nurture

In the book Soar With Your Strengths (copyright 1992), Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson provide insight in regard to the act of nurturing:

"Nurturing is a strength that resembles the best kind of parenting. A manager or teacher gains satisfaction from the growth of employees or students . . .the nurturer can 'see' each increment of growth and expresses heartfelt warmth that enables employees to grow" (144).

When I read this passage, I immediately saw a connection between nurturers and gardeners. I feel that gardeners, like nurturers, experience a certain type of contentment when their gardens thrive, much like the joy an educator or boss feels when their students or employees succeed.

In your opinion:

>What are some similarities between nurturers and gardeners?

>Are nurturers better gardeners than non-nurturers? Why or why not?