Plants That Carry Stories

Most gardeners I know love to share plants. Propagating and dividing them can be just as much fun as growing them. Some of my favorite plants in the garden came from loved ones offering a cutting or telling me to dig up whatever I liked.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how plants can serve as living memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. Many of the plants in my garden are there for that reason- some without me even realizing it. My home garden has become a small collection of plants and memories associated with those plants, and I am the proud keeper of their stories.

My dad’s fig tree came from a cutting of his grandfather’s fig tree. Newer varieties may yield more and resist disease better, but nothing compares to the fruit you grew up eating with your grandparents on the Fourth of July.

This year, for the first time, I got to enjoy hydrangea blooms from my late grandparents’ home. Before their house was sold, my aunt took last-minute stem cuttings from the bushes. After three years, they’re finally healthy enough to flower- and soon, I’ll take more cuttings to share with the rest of the family.

Sometimes, just being in the garden helps you feel closer to loved ones and the memories you shared. Even if it’s not the same exact plant, growing something they once grew can help you feel connected to them.

My great-grandmother always said you should have flowers growing in your garden so you can cut them and bring them to people when you visit. When I cut flowers from my garden for friends and family I feel like I am keeping her tradition going. 

There are so many plants you can propagate and grow yourself. If you talk to someone who’s been propagating for a while, they’ll likely tell you that it’s as much an art as it is a skill. Try out different plants and methods to see what works best for you. Here’s a great video to get you started with the basics of plant propagation: FFL Plant Propagation Basics.

Are there any plants you grow because of a loved one? It’s never too late to start.