Maturity

It seems that every single day there is a new surprise in the garden. I am always, always amazed at the growth, changes and beauty. The above iris is a late bloomer and just came into its own. It is 'Edith Wolford' and is a stunner. I knew of the bi-colors, but not of the ruffles. This plant is a new purchase and is already blooming beautifully, with more buds ready to open too. As I walked through the garden and spotted this, I also spotted another plant which has grown in my garden for over five years now and has never bloomed. This plant is Cimicifuga racemosa, aka Bugbane. What is it with plants? Some can come into their own so quickly and others take forever, still others never reach their hoped for potential and must be forgotten.

This question got me to thinking about life and people. It is the same with people. Children inevitably grow up to be people. Some mature faster than others, some never mature. Since the semester of Nashville State Community College starts this weekend, and my two new online courses are Philosophy and Entrepreneurship, I am going to be a bit philosophical in my ramblings today.

I know nothing of philosophy, just what I have looked up on the Internet and what I have heard throughout my life. You know, the Great Philosopher Aristotle said this....and that. Really, I know nothing but surmise philosophy has to do with reasoning, logic, common sense and life, mainly with life and questions about life. So how can I apply all this to my question regarding why some plants mature faster than others? And why is it the same as with people, even pets, and really any living thing when you truly analyze maturity levels of living things.

I think plants, animals, and people are genetically predisposed to mature and grow at different rates. Not only are they genetically predisposed in their habits, personality, growth rate, and so on, but the environment plays a big part in the growth of the living thing, be it people or plants or animals.

I have found if one plant does not do well in one spot, move it and it may do well in the new spot. It is so true of people too. Of course we can't necessarily change the location of our children, but we might change their growing conditions. Just as we do with plants. While plants may get less sun and more moisture in one location, enabling it to grow and mature faster, people may need a special diet, more or less discipline, a new group of friends, or more rest. Change the environment! Ah, maybe this is what I need to do with the Jimster, who, as a teenager is going through some growing pains.

Now, to the maturity level and why it all makes sense. Part of my frustration as a gardener is failing to realize not all plants thrive under the same conditions as its neighbors, and even if it did, it may just be hardwired to take longer to mature, like the bugbane. The iris is a fast maturing plant and pretty easy going, not so with the bugbane. My mistake is in treating them all the same and in not being patient with their desires and needs.

Perhaps MY attitude needs to change towards the plants, and my youngest son. Surely I can be more patient and understanding when it takes FIVE years for one single plant to bloom, and surely I can be more understanding when the Jimster takes much longer to fully understand responsibility and hard work? Yes, I think I can. Perhaps my maturity level or expectations are not quite in sync with the plants and the youngest child. We shall see! At least there is hope, the bugbane looks as if it will finally bloom, and Jimmy will mature into a fine young man, I just know it and I have faith....now on to the patience thingy.

in the garden....