Gratitude by Mary Oliver

November 26, 2020 by micah catherine 2 Comments

This year has been interesting, to say the least. Somehow, the days and weeks have felt dramatically more chaotic and also at a near standstill, one day blending slowly into the next. Life hasn’t been easy, and it’s sometimes difficult to remember that life has been good, too.

Now, as we head into the holiday season, and especially today on Thanksgiving, it’s more important than ever to take a moment and give thanks for every goodness, no matter how small. I’m reminded of a poem by Mary Oliver, one where she reflects on what brings her the most inspiration and gratitude: nature.

Today and every day, we too can ask these questions of our own lives—What did you notice? What astonished you? What was most wonderful?

Gratitude
by Mary Oliver

What did you notice?

The dew-snail;
the low-flying sparrow;
the bat, on the wind, in the dark;
big-chested geese, in the V of sleekest performance;
the soft toad, patient in the hot sand;
the sweet-hungry ants;
the uproar of mice in the empty house;
the tin music of the cricket’s body;
the blouse of the goldenrod.

What did you hear?

The thrush greeting the morning;
the little bluebirds in their hot box;
the salty talk of the wren,
then the deep cup of the hour of silence.

When did you admire?

The oaks, letting down their dark and hairy fruit;
the carrot, rising in its elongated waist;
the onion, sheet after sheet, curved inward to the pale green wand;
at the end of summer the brassy dust, the almost liquid beauty of the flowers;
then the ferns, scrawned black by the frost.

What astonished you?

The swallows making their dip and turn over the water.

What would you like to see again?

My dog: her energy and exuberance, her willingness,
her language beyond all nimbleness of tongue,
her recklessness, her loyalty, her sweetness,
her strong legs, her curled black lip, her snap.

What was most tender?

Queen Anne’s lace, with its parsnip root;
the everlasting in its bonnets of wool;
the kinks and turns of the tupelo’s body;
the tall, blank banks of sand;
the clam, clamped down.

What was most wonderful?

The sea, and its wide shoulders;
the sea and its triangles;
the sea lying back on its long athlete’s spine.

What did you think was happening?

The green beast of the hummingbird;
the eye of the pond;
the wet face of the lily;
the bright, puckered knee of the broken oak;
the red tulip of the fox’s mouth;
the up-swing, the down-pour, the frayed sleeve of the first snow—

so the gods shake us from our sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving!

XO,
Micah

How to Choose the Best Pot for Your Plant

November 12, 2020 by micah catherine 2 Comments

You’ve done it. You’ve finally found the perfect plant for your home. It now sits contentedly on your counter as you contemplate how you should repot it. But is there a right type of pot for your plant? Is there a better size… or better material? The answer to these questions is sometimes actually yes! The plant pot you choose can ultimately help your plant enjoy a longer, happier life.

Drainage
The main culprit in indoor plant deaths is overwatering, and this is often accompanied by a plant pot that didn’t have a drainage hole in the first place. With nowhere for the water to go, it will pool in the bottom, making it difficult for your plant to receive oxygen. Eventually, it may suffer from yellowing leaves, root rot, and mold. Unfortunately, many aesthetic pots don’t have pre-made drainage holes. When shopping for pots, try not to pick one for its color or pattern, without checking the bottom first. If you can’t resist a pot that isn’t prepared for plants, you can always drill a drainage hole yourself!

Size
The bigger the pot, the bigger a plant will grow, right? Not exactly. Most indoor plants prefer to be snug in their pots—too small and you will risk overwatering, too large and you will risk underwatering. In general, choose a plant pot that is 1-2 inches wider in circumference than the current size of your plant. Your plant will still have room to grow larger, but won’t be straining to fill every inch of a spacious pot and leave no energy for new growth. When you notice roots trailing out the drainage hole or poking through the top of the soil, your plant is ready for a pot upgrade.

Material
Most indoor plant pots are either clay, ceramic, or plastic. If you tend to overwater plants, an unglazed terra cotta pot is a good choice as the clay will soak up any excess water and moisture. If you despise the orange color of terra cotta, you can easily paint over it. Plastic pots are budget-friendly, easy to clean, and a light-weight choice for hanging plants. Ceramic pots often have the biggest variety in shape, color, and patterns, so are a good choice for aesthetic benefits. They might not have drainage holes, so don’t for get to inspect before buying.

Style
Once all other factors are considered, don’t forget to purchase a plant pot that complements your plant without overpowering it, too! A busy, colorful plant like the Snake Plant would do well in a terra cotta or smooth, white pot. A simple, monochromatic plant, such as the ZZ Plant, can be spruced up with a colorful, textured pot (see photo above). This is a great opportunity to get creative with different materials, colors, patterns, and textures! The plant pot you choose will help your plant stand out and provide an aesthetic touch to your home.

Do you find it difficult to choose the right pots for your plants? Hopefully this guide helps! If you have a go-to store for buying plant pots, I’d love to know in the comments!

XO,
Micah

Debunking 5 Common Indoor Plant Care Myths

November 5, 2020 by micah catherine 1 Comment

Caring for indoor plants can be an exciting and rewarding experience. They purify the air, enrichen your home, and provide a creative and nurturing outlet for people of any age. But where do you turn when things go south? And is the information you’re reading valid, or are you caught in the tangles of certain plant care myths? Read on to learn about the top five many people believe…

Myth #1: Plants Should Be Watered Daily
Fact: Plants should only be watered when the top few inches of soil is dry. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in plant care. It’s understandably an easy one, especially when you’re new to plants. Fall victim to this myth, however, and your plant will begin to wither under the weight of all the excess water. Leaves my droop or yellow and root rot becomes a significant risk. Always research your new plant to learn about the correct amount of water it needs so you can ensure a healthy watering schedule.

Myth #2: Plants Love Lots of Direct Sunlight
Fact: Some plants love bright sun, others cower from it and may burn if exposed to light for too long. While sunshine is a key ingredient in your plant’s health and happiness, not all plants need the light level you might think! Certain indoor plants, such as Golden Pothos, can go weeks in shadowy corners before they begin showing signs of distress. Other plants, such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig, enjoy being near a bright window. Just like you researched water, also check to see the type of sunlight your plant prefers, along with the length of time it enjoys being in it.

Myth #3: Plants Are Not Safe for Pets or Kids
Fact: Many indoor plants are non-toxic if touched or accidentally consumed. You may want to think twice about bringing home a plant that catches your eye before researching its toxicity to pets and/or kids. If you can’t resist, simply place these plants out of reach. But if you’re feeling especially cautious, you can always do a little research through the Animal Poison Control Center to make sure the plants you’re bringing home are safe for everyone.

Myth #4: Plants Will Grow Bigger in a Large Pot
Fact: Plants prefer when their roots can comfortably fill up most of their container. A pot that is disproportionally larger than your plant may cause it distress as it works overtime to fill the empty soil with roots. The energy expended will leave little left over to grow healthy new leaves. A too-big pot also increases the likelihood of root rot with the excess of soil that can trap unused water. Choose a pot that is is 1-2 inches wider than the size of your plant. When your plant is showing signs of being root bound, then it will be time to choose a larger pot!

Myth #5: Plants with Yellow Leaves Are Lost Causes
Fact: Yellow leaves on plants is a sign of distress, but not a death sentence. A change in color or wilting leaves often due to moisture stress – too much or too little water. This may also be a sign of too little light or a cold draft. And can mean that your plant isn’t receiving enough nutrients… or has too much fertilizer. When leaves start to yellow, check the soil for moisture, temperature, and light levels. It won’t be too hard to discover the culprit so you can fix the problem!

Have you been accidentally believing any of these plant care myths? They’re easy to follow, but it’s never too late to start fresh with the right information. Your plants will thank you!

XO,
Micah