Trail Talk: Erik at the Garden Centre
- Lisa Stanley
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If I was to describe a perfect day, it would probably go something like this…..
1. Being in nature with Lisa.
2. Creating art.
3. Browsing happily through a used bookstore.
Admittedly, there are days (mostly rainy ones) when the above order is reversed.
Lisa’s perfect day, however, is usually quite different from mine. Whereas I like to plan things well in advance and proceed according to plan, Lisa lives by the motto “Spontaneity is the spice of life”. Many are the times when we went out the door to buy a loaf of bread and found ourselves two hours later in Bayfield walking down the beach. On a good day, I love this about Lisa. She adds spice to my usually humdrum, predictable life.
Today was a typical example. After our usual delightful breakfast at Dave’s Diner, Lisa decided that she needed to buy an Easter gift for her mother at the nearby garden centre.
Fine, I said, as I pulled the car into their parking lot. I should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.
Like most men, when I need to buy something, I walk into the store, spot the first acceptable item, pick it up and head right for the cashier. The entire operation takes me about four or five minutes. If the sun is shining and my head is clear, I can sometimes do it in three.
Not so with Lisa. We had to find the “perfect” gift. The following discussion soon ensued….
“What do you think of this plant?” said Lisa, holding up something green in a pot.
“I like it.” Was my quick reply.
Lisa spotted another plant and soon shoved that one into my face. “What about this one?”
“I like that one too.”
Apparently that wasn’t a satisfactory enough answer because there was soon another plant in my face. “Ooh! This one is lovely! What do you think?”
“I like that one too.” I said, trying not to look at my watch. We were already well past my four or five minute threshold for shopping excursions.
“Which one do you like best?”
“I like them all.” I said, looking longingly at the exit.
She eyed me suspiciously. “You’re just saying that so we’ll leave.” She was on to me. I hate when that happens. Luckily, I had an answer for that.
“I truly think that all of these plants are wonderful and any one of them would do nicely.” This was the God’s honest truth, by the way, as I don’t really have much of an eye for what is appealing about plants.
“Okay. I guess I’ll get this one.”
“Thank God.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Now I need to find a nice pot to put them in.”
I suppressed a groan and we started the hunt for a proper pot. Or I should say, Lisa did. I was clearly just along for the ride. Happily, the search for a “nice pot” only took another ten minutes or so. So the whole plant shopping ordeal – I should say “excursion” - only took us about a half an hour. This is really good for Lisa.
Have I mentioned that I love Lisa?
"Houseplants are my calm in the chaos, a gentle reminder that growth takes time." ~ Unknown
Lisa's Thoughts on 'Trail Talk: Erik at the Garden Centre'
When I go into a garden centre I treat it as an important opportunity for adding something special to someone's life. First of all, it's a living being. A pet, that won't beg for food and nourishment, so it has to be memorable enough to keep it in ones care routine. I also need to admire each plant, ask it permission to breathe in its oxygen, caress it, and ask it if it would like to come home with me.
In choosing a plant for my mother, I am also looking for a plant that will demonstrate change. She lives by herself and the weather has been very gloomy. Sometimes she goes days without seeing anyone. I wanted her Easter gift to remind her of the garden she tended on Primrose Path. I'd like her to wake up each day and celebrate the growth and the emerging blooms. I will look forward to these joyful updates on our daily phone calls.
I am not sure why Erik doesn't really see or get plants. It still surprises me every day, which is why I try to engage him. He loves colour and brightness; a plant is only exciting for him if I can take what it offers and make something with it like a bowl of stewed rhubarb or currant sauce to drizzle over vanilla ice cream..
Even though we have unique perspectives, I still encourage Erik to join me in the garden centres. He doesn't realize the benefits he is getting just by walking through a space with extra oxygen, phytoncides, aromatherapy and the ability of the plant to remove toxins from the air. To me, plants are beings. They create sound and even 'jump for joy' when their caregiver comes into a room.
Let me know what you think of plants! Are you an Erik or a Lisa? Do you surround yourself with houseplants or do you prefer to spend time with plants outside? Share a story about a plant in your life. If you are like Erik, leave him a comment... maybe it will help me understand him better!
Have I mentioned that I love Erik?
Remember to like and share 'Trail Talk: Erik at the Garden Centre' to help Journeys Unlimited grow!
I love it, Lisa!