Plants and Gardens – Unexpected Friendships From the Earth

Plants and gardens are a common denominator when passionate gardeners begin a conversation. I am grateful for two fellow gardeners – who I consider great garden friends, Wendy and Chelsea.  Without Wendy, I would not know Chelsea.

I had a project for Earth Day and needed seedlings. Calling Wendy was the first thing that came to mind. Wendy knows her plants and is a reliable resource. This one woman is knowledgeable and helps me connect the dots when I need plant guidance.

Wendy referred me to Chelsea, as my project was quite small. Chelsea became the specialty grower for four separate projects. The plants were healthy and made a great Earth Day presentation.

This year, another opportunity presented itself to utilize Chelsea as a specialty grower. for a special project.

The heart of this woman truly amazes me. While relocating down south, Chelsea said yes. We made a plan to grow plants traditionally found in the African American community. To some, these plants would be considered basic. For others, Zinnias, Marigolds, Cosmos, and calendula were typical plants found in communities of meager means.

Chelsea sowed what seeds were requested, fertilizing them with love, and produced simply gorgeous plants. She also offered to grow a little more from seeds and plant divisions she did not want to leave behind. This is an example of what a true gardener does, from the heart…even in the middle of relocating.

After the second trip to retrieve the plants, we were sharing how hard it is to leave a garden behind. A gentle breeze caused me to notice a plant along the walkway. Chelsea identified it as a Salvia. She was unclear about the cultivar at that moment. However, like most gardeners, she promised to follow up later with the identification. Offering to share it with me, I found a bag, she retrieved her Hori Hori knife and the smaller clump was mine.

When I got home, I received an email from Chelsea with the plant identification. It was Salvia nutens or Salvia pendulum. That plant is a stunner, and I was happy to invite it into my garden.

We said our goodbyes, and I could not wait to get home. I also realized this was not just a gardener who could grow beautiful plants, but a friend. 

True, salt of the earth gardeners are kind, share often, and freely give from their heart. Gardeners like this also love to share from their gardens. I’d like to think it’s a way of remembering the gardener in your own green space.

Plants and gardens bring people together in unexpected ways. The friendships created by a mere seed, a cutting, or a passionate plant are how gardens grow. On a recent Saturday, I reached out to  Cavanos and asked for nodding Salvia. Wendy knew exactly what I was talking about and aided my perennial addiction twofold! One can never have too many plants in my world.

Wendy, Thank you for the connection. Chelsea, Thank you for your hard work and your generosity.

Mother Earth has a way of cultivating gardeners to keep her garden alive and growing. Most gardeners are like and understand perennials. We know our plants have a three-year journey to greatness. The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and then they leap into everything we imagined. As we practice having hope and patience, we discover the joys found in the garden. 

How many people have shared plants, acquired a pass-along plant, and made real friendships through earthly interactions?

It’s going to be quite a colorful year at The Cottage in the Court. Sitting in my garden, smiling all while watching the Salvia nutens thrive in her new home.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

(not AI-Generated)

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