The Crazy Plant Lady
by Ana Morlier
Gratitude Plants
Happy May, everyone! Finally, the time of beautiful weather and even more exquisite blooms is upon us. Not only should we appreciate the beautiful essence of nature, but also the women in our lives that support us. Show your gratitude this Mother’s Day with these plants!
Irises
Irises: Express gratitude for hard work.
Plant care: Keep in full sun, with moist, well-drained soil. Flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Flower colors vary, and include purple, blue, white, and yellow.
Zinnias
Zinnias: Thinking fondly of a person, despite physical distance.
Plant care: Keep in full sunlight for at least six hours, with well-draining potting soil. Avoid placing near areas of extreme temperatures (such as by a vent). Zinnias prefer warmer temperatures. Water soil so that it is moist but not wet (press a finger into the soil, and if your finger is wet/soaking, the plant does not need to be watered). Zinnias bloom between late spring to late fall. Flower colors include pink, purple, yellow, orange, lavender, white, red, and green.
Pansies
Pansies: Gratitude and fond recollection of a person.
Plant care: Keep plant in partial to full sun, with well-draining soil. Water to maintain moist (not soaking wet) soil. Pansies’ blooms come in colors such as white, yellow, purple, and blue.
Parsley
Parsley (an unlikely contender that can accent any bouquet): Gratitude for knowledge.
Plant care: Keep parsley in well-draining, moist soil. The plant requires partial shade to full sun. Foliage grows in all seasons.
Sweet Pea Flowers
Sweet Pea Flowers: Gratitude for fond memories.
Plant care: These flowers bloom from a shrub, so they should be grown outside. Plant requires partial to full sun. Plant in well-drained soil, and water about an inch daily. Try not to let it dry out, but it can withstand 1-2 days without water. Purple and pink flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall.
Daisies
Daisies: Gratitude for loyal affection.
Plant care: Grow daisies in full sun, with well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially in the evenings or mornings, to prevent soil from drying out. “Deadhead” or remove dying flowers to encourage new growth. These plants should be grown outside. Both their flowers and foliage can make for a stunning bouquet.
No matter how you express your gratitude—through plants or time together—take time to celebrate the mothers in your life. Or, if you’re a mother yourself, take time to look out for your physical and mental well-being and care for yourself! To mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and female caretakers everywhere, know that you are appreciated and are making a major difference in this world. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. You “grow,” girl!
My personal favorite flower of gratitude: Pansies.
