When my friend Virginia unexpectedly had to move back to Australia a few years ago, she was stressed and overwhelmed by all the things she had to do to prepare for her journey. She asked a few of us to help out with different tasks, and I ended up adopting her plants. Not because I have a green thumb, but because I was willing to try to keep them alive.
Somehow, at least a few of her plants are still going strong. Every time I look at them, I’m reminded of my lovely friend far away who entrusted me with these living things she had cared for in her home.
Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
–Erma Bombeck
As much as I love to receive and give flowers, I have started to consider plants more often as a gift for my friends. For one thing, they tend to last longer than the average bouquet, even without any skill for cultivating them. Often, just watering them once in a while can keep plants alive for months, or even years. Some require very little attention at all, and they are associated with cleaner indoor air quality. Studies have shown additional health benefits of having indoor plants can include stress reduction, greater productivity and improved mood.
Plants symbolize renewal and growth, and they are appropriate for most, if not all, occasions and seasons. Grocery and flower shops usually have plants available in pretty containers, and most online flower services offer them as well. And caring for a living plant from a friend becomes its own small form of connection. Happy plant-gifting!
One of Virginia’s plants that is still alive and well!
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