Do You Have A Green Thumb?

I recently had a conversation with a friend who admits he “is not into growing plants”. He commented, “I guess I don’t have a green thumb.” And then he almost defined what a “green thumb” is in his next remark. He said, “I guess you really need to have an interest in something to be successful at it.”

As long ago as I can remember, I have always had an interest in growing plants. If I have a green thumb, where and when did I get it? Did my years of experience and education give me a green thumb?

Most of my horticultural education and reading have been focused on the scientific or “how to” aspects of plants. Most of the articles which I write are about practical aspects of gardening. For years I never stopped to analyze (sounds scientific, doesn’t it?) the impact of feelings and emotions on my success in gardening. In fact, my friends told me that I was a pretty unemotional person.

Looking back I realize that I was hiding a lot of my feelings and emotions, even from myself. Now I take time to understand the emotional side of all aspects of life. I now enjoy gardening more than I ever have.

So if you are a struggling gardener, realize that how you feel about gardening is just as important as what you know about gardening. Stop thinking about gardening as work that you have to get done. Think of it as beauty you are trying to create. There is nothing more satisfying than creating something beautiful.