ESL Blogs

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts get into phases when it comes to choosing a group of plants. Some would like to have a group of begonias or dahlias. Some are fond of growing edible fruit and vegetables even herbs while others collect and propagate ornamental plants to accentuate beauty to their gardens and homes. A lot of people combine different types of group to have varieties of textures and colors. Other than that, it’s rewarding to consume produce right from your own backyard, isn’t it?

These days though, more and more plant nerds and collectors are into cacti and succulents. They choose them primarily because of limited spaces at home (like what I have) and let’s face it, they are incredibly brighten up our moods. Moreover, they are the most photographed living things on social media. I must confess I’m in love with them now. I used to dislike them and opt not to purchase one whenever I visit a garden center or shop even though I found them so cute and astonishing.  But their thorns discouraged me to hold one while checking out new plants.

Then one fine weekend, I was looking for a specific variety of plant in the market when I accidentally touched a tiny cactus. I didn’t notice its thorns until the seller told me. What! I was stung! My thumb numb for hours and I felt discomfort due to sudden pain until I got home. And later I realized it wasn’t bad at all, I’m still alive! Hooray! The numb sensation it left on me carved like a tattoo and it made me crave for more he he…

I was badly bruised before while gardening and almost injured myself for harvesting a cluster of bananas and other fruit, I don’t think the cactuses’ spines would kill me now. So I decided to finally have one, or two in my garden. I purchased the one above as my first ever cactus plant. I hope it would be the first of many. I will consider them as my thorns of happiness because even though they are spiny, they would bring positive energy to the people who truly care and nurture them.

Furthermore, just like in real life we face the thorns (problems and setbacks) that sting our hearts and minds. But despite the uneasiness we find solutions and strive for happiness and positivity to remain sane. We can never define happiness without experiencing heartaches, right? So if ever you accidentally sting by a cactus, look for a brighter side. ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’…

I confess, I would love to have a collection of cacti and succulents for my itsy bitsy garden. I would like to see diversity of plants in a place that I call my refuge. I learned they have therapeutic powers just like the flowering plants. Gazing at my ornamentals relieved me from the stress brought by toxic people and pollution. Of course, if we decide a new plant member in the family, we should at least shower it with TLC, starting by making some research about its growth habits and climate requirements.

How about you? Are you fond of collecting cacti and succulents? Kindly share your plant confessions below… Thank you and happy gardening!