During the 4th of July holiday, we didn’t engage in many activities, preferring to avoid the crowds that these holidays typically draw. Some people relish the thrill of a crowd, while others, including myself, appreciate a moderate number of people around but dislike feeling crowded. Then there are those who are solitary by nature, choosing to spend most of their time alone.
This brings to mind the three types of plants in my garden:
- The crowd lovers – Mint, which thrives in dense clusters, can quickly overtake other plants if not kept in check, filling any available space with ease.
- The cubicle lovers – Corn serves as a prime example; it requires proper spacing for growth yet needs the proximity of fellow corn plants for effective pollination, akin to an office setting where everyone has their own space — not too close, yet not too isolated.
- The loners – Vegetables like Broccoli or Cabbage flourish in solitude. They do not prosper when packed too closely and do not depend on other plants of their kind for pollination. They simply need some space to themselves.
None of these plant types are inherently better than the others; they simply align more closely with different personalities. It’s worth considering which type of plant you resonate with the most: Mint, Corn, or Broccoli?
In many indigenous cultures, people identify with a spirit animal. In a similar vein, what would your spirit vegetable be?