Caladium comes up in An odd nook, a corner In sun and shade-- A decision made in Tropism, inarguable. A crowd of leaves, Earlike, listen to a Logic of soil and light. This gardener never Disturbs what is So soundly right.
A plant knows where to grow. Sometimes one is very astonished to see which place it has chosen - why here, and not a bit more in the sun? I have to admit that sometimes I do interfere - but most often I let them grow where they like, try to correct gently, if necessary, and trust that its decision will be OK.
I love to see plants pop up where I would least expect them. I always leave them alone (except if it is orange), because I think Mother Nature knows more than me.
I think plants will often 'tell' you what they do and don't like. Our weather in Perth has been terribly hot this summer and some plants are right out of kilter and flowering longer than usual or even doing it twice in a couple of months.
I've always enjoyed grape arbors but lately prefer working at shoulder-height. Honeysuckle climbs itself to fence-height and draws hummingbirds, so I like that too.
A plant knows where to grow. Sometimes one is very astonished to see which place it has chosen - why here, and not a bit more in the sun?
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that sometimes I do interfere - but most often I let them grow where they like, try to correct gently, if necessary, and trust that its decision will be OK.
When I retired from commercial gardening 7 years ago, I found myself following plants around instead of forcing them into formation.
DeleteI love "Earlike, listen to a
ReplyDeleteLogic of soil and light." Very graphic AND poetic.
Thank you, Brigitta!
DeleteThe Caladium fills its nook wonderfully. It is good that you also listen.
ReplyDeleteI can't hear as well as a caladium leaf but watch and learn.
DeleteI love to see plants pop up where I would least expect them. I always leave them alone (except if it is orange), because I think Mother Nature knows more than me.
ReplyDeleteArleen, you and I are definitely earthlings!
DeleteWhat a great image--"...a crowd of leaves earlike" listening to "...logic of solid and light..." Terrific!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom. The image was inescapable.
DeleteI love your description of the Caladium. If you leave Mother nature to do what she does best, you get some pretty surprises sometimes.
ReplyDeleteJB
Pretty surprises are my favorite kind.
DeleteI think plants will often 'tell' you what they do and don't like.
ReplyDeleteOur weather in Perth has been terribly hot this summer and some plants are right out of kilter and flowering longer than usual or even doing it twice in a couple of months.
Plants and people alike are hoping the weather stabilizes soon.
DeleteWe share hot climates, is growing vines on a lattice work possible where you live and what would you recommend for a fast growing vine.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed grape arbors but lately prefer working at shoulder-height. Honeysuckle climbs itself to fence-height and draws hummingbirds, so I like that too.
Deletethanks!
Delete