Kinship plants

As if being in my library isn't
reason enough to smile,
my shamrock from Lise T.
adds a dash of purple
and fun to the room.
When I moved to Atlantic Canada, I traveled with precious plants packed with care. For a few weeks, unexpected delays prevented me from getting the keys to my home, so I carted pots of all sizes in and out of hotels and B&Bs.

Why go to such lengths?
I cherish my plants' lineage.

For these plants came from friends, colleagues and family, and form a living bridge between my past and the present. Some are indoor plants grown from cuttings. Others are perennials unearthed from gardens.

Whatever their origins, memories sprout whenever I tend to my kinship plants, which include my:
  • Goldfish plant (Nematanthus nervosus) from Laura P.
  • Yucca from Burgi
  • Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) from Alex
  • Assorted tropical plants from my hubby 
  • Bee balm (Monarda) and Malva from Louise and Dad
  • Purple Shamrock (Oxalis regnellii triangularis) from Lise T.
  • Bearded irises from my grandparents' backyard and from Paul and Trish
  • Astilbe from Margaret
  • Morning glory (Ipomoea) from my mom
  • Ornamental fern from Howard
  • Lily of the valley (Convallaria) from Hal and Bea
  • Spider plant (Clorophytum) from Patricia
Their roots tie me to loved ones, and even cultivate new connections as I pass seedlings and cuttings on to recent friends. 

R.I.P. to the kinship plants I've accidentally drowned or starved. Despite their transient lives, they represent gestures of friendship I won't soon forget. This list would be lengthy, so I'll stick to my most recent crimes against nature, which include my:
  • African violet (Saintpaulia) from Jane
  • Welcome-to-your-temporary-Ottawa-office plant from Liz
  • White pines from mom and Claude
  • Gerbera from one of my book-club sisters (This plant inspired a 2011 blog post, but sadly, the phoenix nickname no longer suits.)    
  • Countless cacti from Mike's former team at CruiseShipCenters
Thank you to everyone who has ever given me flora to forge stronger ties.

Do you share my affection for kinship plants?  If so, I encourage you to share comments below.

Comments

  1. AnonymousTuesday, April 09, 2013 7:22:00 am

    Can I borrow your kinship plants label? I LOVE IT!
    Candace

    ReplyDelete
  2. ColinTuesday, April 09, 2013 8:13:00 am

    I like that :) We have fond memories of our BC ficus. We decided to to try plants early in our marriage to make sure we could keep something alive before progressing. Happy to say the plant thrived and we passed the test :) *cough* The ficus is no longer with us...but the kids are both quite happy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownTuesday, April 09, 2013 10:55:00 pm

      Rumour has it that you found responsible guardians for the ficus. Based on the awesome kiddos you're raising, your BC ficus prepared you well.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousFriday, May 10, 2013 10:54:00 am

    The Shamrock also brings luck. Hope it works for you too.

    Lise T.

    ReplyDelete

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