
Philodendron in the Window is one of my earlier paintings. I’ve always loved it for the colors and because it reminds me of Mom. With spring in full force here in Atlanta I’ve been doing a lot of gardening. My wonderful neighbor helped me by tilling up a 30 foot long patch of grass along our picket fence. I’ve planted flowers and lots of veggies and am mulching heavily since they say it’s going to be a dry summer. Unlike my Mom I was I never into gardening even though my degree is in landscape architecture. Since we’ve been settled in our home for a while the little gardening I’ve done each spring is starting to add up. So here I am after eight years here with a vegetable garden in our front yard.
When my twin sister and I went off to separate colleges, we had different school breaks. On a break early in my freshmen year, Mom showed me how to make cuttings of house plants for potting later to take to my dorm room. That’s when I noticed she had lots of glass jars with various shaped leaves gracing the window sills in the kitchen and sun room. Mom said she enjoyed the years my twin and I came home at different times because she got to know us as individuals better. Now that I have a teen daughter I understand my mom’s comments. Teenagers are very much into their own world as it should be. It’s later they begin to notice more about their home experience. Wherever I’ve lived I always have plant cuttings in jars on the window sills, such as the one in this panting. Happy Mother’s day to all mothers and the gifts they pass down.
Lovely Heni – Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Thank you Melissa!.
What a lovely story, Heni! As I’ve said before, your stories bring your paintings to life.
Philos (what I call them) are my favourite plant. A huge split-leaf version has its place of honour in my living room (condo). I’m certain I couldn’t live without plants. A profusion of plants, bougainvillea, flowers and sunshine….ah, these I have loved from my time in India…..!
Just like you, my love of plants came from my Mom. 🙂 Our Mother’s Day gift was a VegTrug for her balcony. Her balcony gardening includes mint, coriander, spring onions, chillies, jasmine and so much more.
I agree – a love of plants is a great gift to bestow.
~ Radhika
Thank you for your comments Radihika! I’m so glad you related to my story. I can picture your Mom’s balcony, it sounds lovely. I bet she loved your thoughtful gift!