Seed paper was something I had heard about but never tried. On Mother’s Day, my oldest daughter gifted me with a carefully sourced wildflower seed card with a handwritten poem she had composed herself. I had some empty planters and some space in the flower garden so decided to sow the seed paper along with some flower seeds I had recently purchased.
The seed paper plants sprouted in just a few days so I was excited. Funny thing was that the seedlings looked very much alike and very familiar. They looked like basil. I searched the internet for “seedlings that look like basil”. What I got back from my search was many images of basil.
Fast forward a few weeks, and the plants intermingled with dahlia and alyssum looked even more like herbs. When I pinched off a section of a plant to smell, it was clear that the online home seller had gotten herb seed cards and wildflower seed cards mixed up.
The job of the gardener is not to change the plant, but learn how to nurture it and help it grow. Thankfully, Savvy Gardening posted a great article on basil. I am following the instructions on trimming and pruning. I now have many beautiful basil plants, good companion plants to the tomatoes growing a bit further back. Soon, I will have enough leaves to dry or freeze according to the instructions.
The seed card held one more surprise. I recently discovered a mint plant seed snuck in with the basil. I will need to keep an eye on that, so it doesn’t take over the garden completely. Mint can flourish and enhance too provided it is recognized and tended well.
basil 
seed instructions 
mint
For many years, I have worked as an academic advisor with university students. They are gifted with varied aptitudes and interests. The seeds of their future selves are sown, but sometimes not yet fully known. At times it is difficult to help them find the way to follow their own paths when others are pushing them to grow in other directions. They may be under pressure to grow into a wildflower instead of the beautiful herb they were meant to be.
That insight has been a gift in raising my own children. My job has been to nurture the seeds and to let them grow as they should. My wish for them in life has always been happiness rather than a particular outcome. It is a gift to see them find their own paths and to be pursue their own passions in their studies, careers and interests. Their names mean air, earth, water and white hawk respectively. They were meant to life start in my garden, but eventually to soar on their own.
The Trials and Tribulations of an Urban Farmer 
Beautiful reflection, Valerie. I agree with you that we can’t all be like wildflowers or showy plants. Some of us are herbs or simple garden grasses possessing a beauty all its own. Best to be at peace and content with who you are rather than struggle unhappily trying to be someone you are not meant to be. Keeping enjoying your garden and your children.
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