Why I love plants

I remember weeding my parents' yard when I was very young. My dad had made a very good weeder by fashioning some metal onto the end of a pole. He had probably welded it. I don't know and can't ask him since he died 35 years ago. But welding was one of his talents. He had many talents and I remember knowing that he could fix anything from my watch to something on our house or car. I think I got my love of the outdoors from him. I know I only ever wanted to be outside with him, and never inside cleaning the house or cooking.

We had hydrangeas and wisteria, a banana tree and a huge fig tree in our yard. I now have the first three and hope to be able to plant the fig tree, too. It's not fair, though. I grew up in a place where it rained constantly and consequently everything grew so easily. Now, it's a challenge to grow anything that likes to be watered more than once a month-or every two months. It doesn't rain very often here. But, thank goodness we have a well and a sprinkler system. It still takes a good while to water all the potted plants and they already have to be watered every other day or so. But, I love them. I call them my babies. And, sometimes I think my children are jealous of them!

Who couldn't love a plant? The colors are so beautiful. The different greens that can be on plants is amazing. The flowers are magnificently colored. I don't know why anyone would prefer jewels to plants. If I had a palace I would decorate it with all sorts of flowering plants, not expensive jewels. And, as a mother, I appreciate that these babies are always where I left them, never talk back, only give joy and enjoyment, and rarely make messes. But the nurturing of a child is a wonderful thing, too. It's just more demanding. And it takes longer to see the fruits of your labor. Maybe I like plants so much because it takes less patience.

I enjoy my garden fountain so much. I love sitting outside looking at the garden and listening to the gurgling water. It is so peaceful. And, with five (sometims, six) children still at home, I need peace.

I know that Heavenly Father created all these beautiful plants for our enjoyment. I imagine He could have sent us to an earth that would have satified our physical needs but not have been beautiful . Instead He wanted us to have pleasure and joy. I'm grateful for His love and kindness and generosity for sharing these beautiful things with us.