Sweet treasures from my little. They didn't last long in a "vase" but the picture remains.
I wanted to be a Landscape Architect. My parents, who provided for us well but had to count every penny, hired a landscape designer when I was about 11 or 12. It was a big investment. In my memory I followed that team around, asking questions about their work and education. Likely I was the incredibly annoying kid y'all are picturing. They developed and executed lovely landscaping plans and looking back, I was fascinated.
I was on the FFA Horticulture Team at my high school. I’d have to confirm with Mr. Chesnut that I am remembering correctly, but I think we did pretty well. And, into my early years of college, I took pride in knowing scientific names of so many plants. Weirdo.
Tonight — as I rocked my little to sleep — those memories I just mentioned came flooding back. Trust me when I tell you I haven’t thought about that landscape design team since probably the week after they left the house. And, I haven’t thought of my time on the horticulture team since the last time I boastfully noted the scientific name of a plant, which was probably the first semester of my freshman year.
I studied public relations, secured an internship (which became a full-time position) and have had the great pleasure of serving more clients than I can count in my 10-year marketing and communications career.
But man, I get all jazzed up about gardening ... about seeing things grow and bloom. Fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, bulbs, perennials … I don’t discriminate. I even enjoy the precious "blooms" my kids collect.
It all started (or re-started) when we bought a house. Our first year as homeowners we took a trip to our local Lowe’s for $50 worth of annuals which would decorate our front porch. Then another trip for the patio. Another for the back door. Another for the hanging plants … it went on. Our little $50 budget turned into, well, more than was budgeted. A focus on annuals turned into a focus on perennials. Then bulbs. Grasses. Herbs. A Tower Garden. You get the picture.
Tonight as I rocked my little, I couldn’t help but wonder what squashed my little idea of being a “Landscape Architect.” Maybe that epiphany will come later. But, I’m still a “grower.” While I may grow landscaping plants, flowers, herbs, fruits and veggies by morning and night, I’m growing people and businesses during the day. And maybe that is what life is all about … growth.
