Nebulous Mooch

We haven’t gotten around to getting a lawnmower yet and the backyard is starting to look a bit like the Amazon Rainforest– if all the plants in the rainforest were no more than five inches tall of course.

I’m sure the Amazon rainforest has a lot of edible things growing in it. I’m sure there are a ton of plants that will kill you in a few seconds growing there too. The secret is knowing what will kill you from what will taste great with a little salt and pepper.

Sometimes I sit on the back step and wonder the same thing about the plants growing in the yard. The fluffy leafy little plants that grow around the roots of the jacaranda tree look edible to me. The other day I picked a tiny bit of leaf and popped in my mouth.

“What are you doing?” my husband exclaimed, “That could kill you.”

“Maybe,” I said, “Maybe not.” Normally I’m the overly cautious one. I guess I was having an off day.

It didn’t kill me, but it also didn’t taste very good. I don’t think I’ll be doing that again, not until I know what I’m eating at least.

Since my grandmother died, I’ve taken over the care of her house plants. In the past, I would’ve told you that any plant left to my care would be destined to die a slow painful death. I’ve taken on a better attitude though and have decided that these plants will thrive.

You never want to admit that you have favorites, but plants have such distinct personalities that it’s hard not to favor one over the other. My favorite is Graham a Christmas cactus with attitude.

Meet Graham, my molecule exchange partner. Graham is a lovely shade of dark green. He used to have pale pink flowers that dropped off as soon as I started caring for him so now he’s just mostly green. Graham thrives in indirect sunlight and needs to be watered just the right amount. I can’t quite figure out what the right amount is, but it’s somewhere between a bucket loads daily and no water at all. That’s been my watering method so far and Graham doesn’t seem too happy about it.

Graham breathes out oxygen which improves the air quality in my room. In exchange, I occasionally exhale in his direction.

I hope Graham decides to stay with us for a while. I guess he has too since I’ve never heard of Christmas cacti sprouting feet and walking away. You never know though.