"Yes?"
"I just found out - - we're RICH!"
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment, then my patient spouse said,"Um, OK... How did that happen?"
"Well, I just left the garden center, and they had forsythia for sale!"
Another pause..."OK. And..."
"And you WON'T believe what a 10 inch root ball of forsythia sells for! 30 bucks!!! I'm telling you, we're RICH!"
"Um... honey?"
"Look, we could sell THEM forsythia! We've got at least a couple thousand bucks worth in the back yard we'd never miss!! Ok, not really, but can you believe it? 30 bucks for a bush we barely look at except in the spring - - and it's trying to take over the back yard?"
At that, we both cracked up with laughter. At least in one economy, we are indeed quite wealthy. Our back yard is graced with 3 stands (or is that "mobs?") of forsythia. They are in full bloom right now and are truly breath-taking. The whole back corner of the yard is a sea of yellow!
OK, so maybe to the world we are not that rich after all. I wondered when was the last time someone got a "start" of forsythia from a neighbor or relative? I remembered my grandmother talking about the various plants she had gotten from other gardeners. The idea that one would go to a gardening center and buy a plant, when you could get it for free from someone would have boggled her mind!
I am sure that in some areas, this practice of getting "starts" still thrives with joy and vibrancy. I pray it does. There is a sense of connection and history that goes with the practice. One that speaks of heritage, sharing, and caring for our planet together... not just because we are overrun with forsythia, but because it knits our human hearts together.
(By the way - if you want to get a start of forsythia, just ask!)
From our home to yours-
Deb
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