Plants: Are they speaking to you?


The sun is peaking through the covers in the sky, the cool morning is welcoming after a week of unbearable heat. I walk outside with my dogs to sit in the garden and drink a creamy cup of coffee, my daily ritual that has been on respite because of weather. My garden is a sanctuary where I can sit hidden from the world and talk to my green friends. My dogs enjoy nibbling on sweet grass and smelling the blooming plants. By this time of Summer, the garden has run unsupervised and is quite wild. I love a wild garden, where through the cracks of stone many volunteers peak through. Each season brings a new volunteer and I find great pleasure to see what will grown between the cracks.

 Holy Basil

This year's volunteers brings Holy Basil - Ocimum sanctum and Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca, both plants are from the mint family. During my morning ritual, I would caress Holy Basil leaves, her aromatic oils on my hand, inhale deeply and smile. I speak to her in terms of endearments. Holy Basil is one of my closest plant allies. She has provided comfort during huge losses I had endured this past year (My mother, my bestfriend, and my cat all passed away within a year). She reminds me of the beauty in this world and gives me hope. 

Holy Basil in the wild garden.

My morning ritual also includes gently rubbing Motherwort's velvety leaves. She is a wonderful ally to me when I feel overwhelmed and unappreciated. She calms and gives me courage to speak my mind. When Motherwort goes to seed, she develops sharp barbs that will bite if I am not careful. She reminds me to create healthy boundaries in my life.

I had not been practicing my morning ritual for several days because of the fierce heat wave. This morning after the respite, I sat down at the garden bench, coffee in hand, ready to talk the Holy Basil and Motherwort. I notice they both were leaning in, much closer to the bench. Their leaves brushing up against my leg as if they were giving me a hug. “Where have you been?” they seem to ask.

Motherwort gently touching my leg as I sip coffee.

I asked my Prairie Star family what plant communicates the most to them:

Kim’s plant ally is Milkweed. She explains why it is important to her. “Milkweed is a special plant to me, I dug up & transplanted my first one from the neighboring field that was getting plowed up, I knew they were important for Monarchs. Several years later, I am participating in their entire lifecycle. Milkweed just keeps giving, blooms flowers to attract Monarchs for feeding & egg laying, then provides food & shelter for monarch caterpillars until they turn into butterflies, an amazing cycle. Each time I harvest leaves for my sheltered caterpillars to eat, I say “thank you” to the milkweed plants.”

 

 

Lisa’s plant ally is Rosemary. She said there is something really appealing the way Rosemary can grow in large hedges, creating boundaries, leaving her feeling protected.

Aaron remembers fondly when he was younger helping his Aunt, who works in a florist distribution center, being drawn to a tall spikey purple plant called Liatris. Liatris is a native Prairie plant.

Beautiful Liatris growing in Aaron's garden.

Yarrow has been helping Victoria through shifting relationships in life by providing fatherly safety for her.

Yarrow

I am fascinated by the different stories of how plants speak to us. Each one so unique yet similar. Does a plant speak to you?


2 comments


  • mshtly

    This heartfelt post beautifully captures the profound connection between humans and plants. It’s inspiring to read about your experiences with Holy Basil and Motherwort, and how they’ve become your allies in navigating life’s challenges.

    The Language of Nature

    I’ve often wondered about the subtle ways in which plants communicate with us. While they may not speak in human language, they certainly express themselves through their growth, their blooms, and their resilience. Perhaps the gentle touch of a leaf, the sweet fragrance of a flower, or the vibrant green of foliage are nature’s way of conveying messages of peace, love, and healing.

    Cultivating a Deeper Connection

    Your practice of talking to your plants is a testament to the power of intention and mindfulness. When we approach plants with respect, gratitude, and genuine care, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of their needs and sensitivities.

    It’s fascinating to hear about the experiences of others, like Kim, Lisa, Aaron, and Victoria. Their stories highlight the diverse ways in which plants can touch our lives and enrich our experiences. Whether it’s the nurturing nature of Milkweed, the protective energy of Rosemary, the nostalgic charm of Liatris, or the grounding influence of Yarrow, each plant has its unique role to play in our lives.

    Nurturing the Bond

    To foster a deeper connection with our plant companions, we can:

    Spend time in nature: Immerse ourselves in natural settings to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the plant world. Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the subtle details of plant growth and behavior. Cultivate a sense of gratitude: Express thanks for the gifts that plants provide us, from food and medicine to beauty and inspiration. Share our experiences: Connect with others who share a love for plants and learn from their insights.

    By cultivating a harmonious relationship with plants, we can not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

    I’m curious to know if anyone else has had similar experiences with plant communication. Share your stories and let’s continue the conversation!


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