This morning, I decided that something was missing in my life, something just was not right. After studying on it for a bit, I decided that what was missing, was a houseplant, one that would brighten things up, make me smile each day at it's grace, and beauty. Not being very experienced when it comes to flowering plants, I was unsure as to what type of plant I should choose. So, I went to the florist and asked him as to which plant would be the best choice for me. He told me he could not answer that, because it depended on various factors, such as what I expected from the plant, how much time and effort I was willing to invest in the plant, and how much space I was willing to give the plant to allow it to grow. He explained to me that each plant had it's own unique personality, and therefore each plant had different requirements as to the type and quality of love and care that was needed for the plant to achieve its full potential, allowing it to blossom into a gorgeous flower.

I asked the florist if he would show me what flowers he had on display, and he answered that he did not actually grow the plants himself. He told me that each plant started out as a seedling, and that it depended on the quality of the love and care that was provided by the caregiver that the plant was entrusted to, as to to what type of plant was produced. He said he did have some sample pictures he could show me, and pulled out a few of them. He showed me the picture of a thorny cactus plant with a small, but pretty flower growing, and explained that the cactus was grown by someone who did not care to spend much time with their plant, did not care much as to the size and beauty of the flower it produced. Because the caregiver had neglected and abused the plant, the plant had grown a thick skin, with thorns, to protect itself. He then showed me a picture of a plant that was growing into a bush, reaching out in many different directions. Each branch of the bush had a really magnificent flower on the end. The florist explained to me that the owner of that plant had given the plant a lot of tender, loving care, and had taken the time to give the plant the nourishment, encouragement, and support that the plant needed, in order to grow and blossom in every direction that the plant branched out.

I told the florist that I wanted a seedling that would produce a plant like the magnificent flowering bush. He patiently explained to me that all he could do, was to entrust in my care a seedling, and that from there, it would be up to me as to what grew. I asked him if he could provide me with simple directions for growing a plant as magnificent as the bush I saw in the picture. These are the directions he gave me.

Seven steps to growing a magnificent flowering bush:

1) Plant the seedling in good ground, and the plant will firmly anchor itself, as it's roots grow and spread out - the more room you give it, the more it will grow

2) See to it that plant receives constant sunshine and warmth, with just enough rain to help make it sturdy - do not shelter it in a tightly enclosed environment

3) Take time throughout each day to talk to the plant in a loving way, and to listen to the plant, as it grows - a little fertilizer goes a long way, and too much kills

4) As the plant reaches out in different directions, encourage it, support it, be proud of it, in each of it's endeavors - it will reward you with many beautiful blooms

5) Be understanding, if a branch does not grow in the direction you wish, allow the plant to develope a mind of it's own - this is necessary for mature growth

6) Constantly touch the plant in different places, with a gentle, tender, massaging touch - this will stimulate the plant, and help it to grow into a vibrant, radiant plant

7) Keep the trash out of your life, provide a happy, healthy, loving home for your plant, and your plant will provide you with many years of heartwarming pleasure.

TIP: Strive daily to maintain the proper balance of love, care, support, nourishment, and attention, with the proper amount of space and freedom to expand, so that your plant can grow to it's maximum potential. Too much of any one ingredient can can cause an adverse affect to the growth of your plant.

Caution: Do not neglect the needs of your plant, abuse it, or place it in a cold atmosphere, even for a day - the plant may wither and die, or another man may come and steal your plant. Do not treat your plant as a possession, or an ornament, but as an important, vital part of your daily life - your plant will notice the difference, and respond accordingly.

So many plant's to choose from

plants are people too

me and my son are growing an herb garden..

the seedlings are doing well..despite some overwatering and the pot being tipped over a couple of times