In my retirement, I want to be a better gardener. I envy people who seem to be natural gardeners. Rather than pine over other people’s gardens, I decided I needed to be proactive, so I attended a Acadiana Native Plant Project event last week at the Louisiana Wetlands Center.
As we toured the grounds, the members of the native plant project talked with us about the plants that had gone to seed. We were given paper bags to collects seeds in. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I opened my hand to free seeds.
I became enthralled by the miracle of seeds.
One of our leaders sent me home with a cutting of Beauty Berry and a seedling of tropical sage.
I spent some time googling each seed and figuring out the best way to propagate them. If I’m 20% successful, that is better than nothing. Some of the seeds are in wet paper towels in the fridge to experience fake cold weather. Some I sprinkled right into a pot.
As the temperatures cool off, I hope to feel more motivation for working outside in the yard. And I will be watching for baby plants, and feeling wonder and awe of it all.
Reflections on the Teche 
This is so intriguing to me! I’m in awe of how you are still learning about new things as you dive into retirement. I think it’s neat how the seeds are in the refrigerator to experience fake cold weather – – like practice for seeds. Such a great way to learn through a workshop to improve on something you have always wanted to do! Go you!
I find plants and their propagation fascinating, so I loved reading about this and noticing that we have some of the same plants as you do, even all this distance away. Today is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada – a day for us to reflect on how we can take meaningful steps towards repairing our relationship with Indigenous peoples. One thing I’ve talked about with students all day is taking care of the land – we’ve even listened to a little of Robin Wall Kimmerer! – so I’m especially touched to read this piece today.
I wish I could be in your class. The native plants group is also involved in replacing the prairie which was part of this land long ago. I love Robin Wall Kimmerer’s work. She is going to be speaking at NCTE in Denver!
Yeah for seeds. There is a fun little book called Seeing Seeds. You might enjoy it even though it goes deep into the topic. The images are amazing.
Robin is great and she has several books out all worth reading! Enjoy your planting of seeds. I love seeing what you can grow compared to us in the northland.
Margaret,
That purple color of beauty berry is spectacular. The way you’ve described the care you’ve given the seeds reminds me of tending to children. Maybe that’s why you’re drawn to gardening more in retirement. It’s cathartic and a way to nurture.