On Mother’s Day, 2024, my husband planted 1-2 acres of wild flowers as a gift. Nary a one grew until this year. When nothing grows and you are a “farmer” – well, that’s not good. Our seed rep reminded us that we are playing the long game and that it may take a year or two. So, we waited and hoped. And, low and behold, this year, we have a bumper crop of wildflowers that will reseed themselves and come back for years to come.
This one act of service by my husband is now a gift to everyone who drives by – even the farmers who farm traditionally. It is a gift to bees and will be a gift to the fruit and nut trees that need pollinating. I think this is how gifts are meant to be given – freely, with no strings attached.
For your consideration: Consider planting native plants in your yard or garden. Lawns with grass lack environmental sustainability. The synthetic sprays used to keep them pest-free harm human and environmental health, just like they do in agriculture. A recent article found that living within 1 mile of golf courses was associated with 126% increased odds of developing Parkinson’s Disease (Krzyzanowski, B. et al., 2025) compared with those living 6 miles or further away. The need for change isn’t just in my backyard – it’s in yours too.
Nature isn’t meant to be separate from human life. We are meant to support each other. Love and support the land that supports you.
