It all begins with a seed - metaphorically and literally. For myself, growing cut flowers is far more important than the final product. The stunning blossom amongst the bouquet of flowers that you’ve purchased to set on your dining table began as a teeny tiny seed. It is absolutely magical that you something as small as sawdust could evolve into a stunning bloom. Cut flowers go far beyond the bloom. The plant that produces the bloom goes through a life that without your nutriment would not flourish - you are the caretaker in this simulated environment, assuming that you’ve started your seeds indoors.

Although plants do not have a voice to express what they need, they certainly let you know when their requirements are not met. Take roses for example, this plant of endless varieties is notorious for displaying symptoms when they are threatened by insects, disease, or are lacking nutrients. If you do not act within a timely manor, you may lose your plant entirely. My first run-in with threat to my rosebush happened when I noticed some yellowing on the leaves of my Sexy Rexy rosebush. When I noticed this, I was leaving for a weekend away from home, and when I returned I was greeted by a Charlie Brown Tree of a rosebush. As I observed, I noticed a group of snails cleaning off what was left of my plant. How was I to have known that snails were threatening the health of my rosebush? If I had slowed down and looked under the yellowing leaves, I would likely have seen a snail or two having a snack. When you care about your plants, you will observe their condition in effort to understand if they are indicating any deprivations.

Moving forward, a quick Google led me to learn that snails have a reaction to copper, so I purchased copper tape to place on the base of my rose bushes, and I have not seen a snail on my roses since. Ever since I have paid close attention to my rose plants in effort to notice any threat to their health, and when I do I make great effort to understand the symptom and rectify the issue.