Plants

WRITING PROMPT: Plants 

 I'm super envious of people with a green thumb. Although, that's somewhat of lie, "envious" would mean I had a desire to do what they do, but I have no yearn to deal with plants. I have the black thumb of death and I've come to accept it. 

In a rental property we had in New Mexico, along the whole front of the home was a lifeless, weed-filled garden lined with decorative curbing. We knew there was potential and were excited to try and improve the space. Barry and I spent hours removing the noxious weeds, laying down weed mat, and filling the space with bark that matched the bricks of our house. It was the closest we ever got to landscaping and we felt pretty proud. Until, just a few weeks later, those vicious viney weeds came creeping back followed by a massive rain storm that swept all the wood chips into a big unflattering pile. 

Neither of us really had a desire to do anything about it. When it came time to buy a home,  we found the house with a no-frills grassy yard incredibly appealing. 

The new renters of our previous home ended up planting some darling little shrubs in that sad little patch we had started, and it made the home look so much more welcoming! The neighbors were probably grateful for our replacements. I was slightly jealous, but also grateful I didn't have to worry about anything like that in our new home. Saturday is family day,  not yardwork day!

 We've tried to plant a small selection of vegetables throughout the years. They withered into nothing before even teasing us with some growth. We've been gifted houseplants that were neglected until all that was left was shriveled sadness. There were true intentions of watering them, but the execution was... nonexistent. 

I admire people who have the vision and skill to create stunning yards. (I don't understand their love of yardwork but still admire them.) I am in awe of those who can cultivate a thriving garden but I.... can grow kids. That is the extent of my ability of keeping things alive.