a day with my houseplants: old wisdom vs. new trends
This morning, as sunlight filtered through my kitchen window, I found myself lost in memories of my grandmother’s fern-filled parlor. Back then, every plant had a story—passed down, cared for, and sometimes even sung to. Today, my daughter prefers her sleek, self-watering pots and hydroponic setups, swearing by apps that tell her when to water. I can’t help but wonder: are we losing something precious in this shift?
Here in the Midwest, our winters are harsh, and I still swear by the old trick of grouping plants for warmth and humidity. My neighbor, however, insists on imported tropicals under grow lights, ignoring the rhythm of our seasons. Sometimes, I envy her lush monstera in January, but I worry about the energy bills and the environmental cost.
Last week, our community group debated whether to ban certain invasive houseplants that threaten local species. Some argued for freedom of choice, while others, like me, felt a responsibility to protect our native flora. It got heated—old-timers versus newcomers, tradition versus innovation.
I still remember the comfort of tending my mother’s African violets during a storm, the way their fuzzy leaves soaked up the quiet. These days, I see neighbors trading cuttings online, chasing rare varieties for Instagram likes. Is it about connection, or just collecting?
Every plant tells a story, and sometimes, those stories clash. As the seasons turn, I find myself caught between honoring the past and embracing the future—wondering which roots will hold strongest in our changing world.
#houseplants #gardeningdebate #midwestliving #Gardening
