Ever since becoming aware of the fact that the only difference between plants and ourselves is that we have feet, I have been tuning into some highly informative and interesting conversations. Those of the plant and bird world, which is everywhere around us.

During the mid seventies I attended a meeting that opened us to the possibilities of these conversations. After an informative morning we were asked to go home and communicate with either a tree, a shrub or even a vase of flowers. I chose the vase of wild flowers I had picked earlier from the veldt and started complimenting the beauty and grace, noting the shapes that made up the whole. The hour’s meditation slipped by gracefully. We left the house for the village and on returning a few hours later I was almost blown over by the powerful force of welcome from the vase of flowers. I have never since underestimated the power of plants.

Over the millennia meanings have been given to flowers, herbs and trees.  What a wonderful way to send a message when words alone are not enough. This is generally known as a tussie mussie but any careful arrangement will do to convey the meaning. Tie together a bunch of Lavender, nasturtium, rosemary, sunflower, thyme and carnation. You would be telling the other person that you are friends forever, graced with natural beauty, your memory brings motivation, would like to get to know them on a deeper level, and thanks for the comfort and encouragement. On the other hand you can also send a message using Pink geranium, gladiolus, foxglove and basil. Your message would be interpreted as – I doubt you, your fickle actions have caused me pain, and are the cause of the animosity felt.

There is much to be said about the old way of going about things (not that I could do without the washing machine!!). With the holiday season upon us, this could be a project for young and old - sending a message by creating your own unique card, whether by dried, fresh or pot plants, and at the same time this proves to be an excellent way of de-stressing. This does not necessarily mean sitting at the computer and doing something but rather getting out the pair of scissors, glue, paper and all the other paraphernalia you might require. Recently I received the most wonderful greetings card.  An avid rock collector, I was delighted by this unique gift of rocks, each individual rock painted with a letter, which when all laid out in order, read out birthday greetings. The paint washed off over the next few rains and another rock garden bed was created.