Moma Hagler's Musings on green thumbs
I've often wondered if being a "plant person" is something you are just born with or by a slight twist of fate, it becomes your "thing". My grandfather worked in a greenhouse for 40 years. Back in those days, heating was done with a huge boiler that was fueled by coal. His job was to keep the fire burning. I spent a lot of time in that greenhouse as a child. The smell of warm soil is something that, no matter how old I am or where I am, takes me right back to those fond memories.
I started small with a few rescued plants from, of course, the greenhouse I myself worked in at 18. Add in many years of flower shops and before you know it, my friends are asking for a machete to get through my house! I guess I did get a little carried away.
But of all the hobbies I have had over the years, caring for, growing and yes, even putting to death plants, has undeniably become a part of who I am.
Of all the plants I have had over the years: loved, not loved, easy to grow, hard to grow, loved but killed it anyway. Choosing a favorite is not an easy task.
I had a friend in Daytona who had a ZZ plant in her Florida room. It was at least 5 feet tall and in a huge container. I was on the search for one immediately! I mean really, who doesn't love ZZ Top?
When I made the move to Tennessee, I had to leave a lot of my plants. But as soon as I had my own space here, I started looking for my next Zamioculas zamiifolia. I found the one I have now about a year or so ago. She was in an 8 inch pot, totally packed full and less than a foot tall.
I seperated her into 3 plants, kept one for myself and gave Laura, my daughter and Dan, my son each one baby from the Mother plant.
Poor thing was on the struggle bus for a while. But I finally seem to have found the "right" spot! In my guest room of all places. She has really taken off and I find I am in love again. Isn't it wonderful how a plant can connect us, not just in our love of care for them, but in the intergenerational gift that is pieces of me are gifted to you, from mother to child?
I would like to comment on the delightful sibling owners of Plant Keepers of Chattanooga. They are the epitome of entrepreneurship. They took a passion, identified a problem and created a solution.
Laura and Dan both possess resilience and adaptability; qualities you definitely need when starting a new business. I have loved watching them and their business grow over the last couple of years.
I am grateful everyday to have the honor of calling them my son and daughter.
I myself always loved and had plants. I worked in greenhouses or flower shops for many years. Hopefully it wasn't under duress, that they unavoidably grew up with a green thumb already in their DNA.Laura and Dan both possess resilience and adaptability; qualities you definitely need when starting a new business. I have loved watching them and their business grow over the last couple of years.
Beyond question Laura and Dan have far surpassed my knowledge and/or experience! I am now the student. There is a connection, an energy, an understanding between them that can be contagious! They are above reproach. And anything I have stated is not just because I am the Momma. I am also a friend.
