Teach a little, learn a lot
enlarge this imageAbove, left: We clipped the seed pods from this blackeye Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) and treated it to fish emulsion. Above, right: Three weeks passed, and then a child reminded us to stay the course.
Green Thumbs Up
To teaching someone, because then both parties grow.
Three weeks ago Janet deadheaded and cut
back annuals, explaining what she was doing as a child looked
over her shoulder. Not that four month old Elizabeth is ready to
take on garden chores...
This week Elizabeth proved that "teachers grow" when she reached
out and began to pluck the seed pods, presumably because she'd seen
Janet do it.
So now, Elizabeth can deadhead and Janet knows to choose her
words and directions with care.
Below, left, Perfessor Elizabeth Jane speaks: "Ahem, Grandma, I
believe you said these pods should come off..."
Below, right: "...or else the plant will look poopy."
"And while we're at it, Grandma, this one needs attention, too.
It does, as you predicted, look better now..." (For more of
Elizabeth's opinions...)
"Or I can do it. That is, if your offer of clippers still stands
from a few weeks ago?"
