The two most important things you give your children; roots and wings (Jonas Salk). I came across that quote and it has been an inspiration to me as a mother. So much, that it was the theme of my latest garden adventure.

Why roots and wings? The two almost appear to contradict one another. However, without roots, one can not take flight. Like the gardner, we learn patience, trusting the natural process. We strive to give our children roots- stability, a strong sense of belonging and nourishment (body and spirit). We prepare them to take flight to one day leave our ‘nest’, giving them responsibilities early on, confidence and encouragement. Thus, “Roots and Wings.”

My wonderful husband received a phone call while I was in route on my way back from the store, with a bird bath in tow, complete with butterflies etched on it. Along with the bird bath- flowers of course. Deep shades of purple day lily’s and corn flowers representative of the richness the boys bring to our lives and the roots we so hope to give them.

I admit though, I’m struggling with the idea of ‘wings’ lately- Or maybe the idea that my babies are growing faster than I prepared myself for. I know that they have to grow to evolve and in order to grow, we need to give them room to fly. However, this sometimes overly protective Mommy sees all that could harm her precious babies. In many ways, the boys are teaching Ashish and I how to fly.

Despite our ‘spat’ that he knew nothing of my plan or idea for our newest weekend project for the yard, we made up, became one with the soil and did what we do best- collaborate.

Imprints: While growing up in ‘Chicagoland’ my mother’s garden had a seahorse bird bath. Purple Phlox surrounded it. I would love to import that cement bird bath up here, and appreciate it as it should be. On my last visit to my childhood home of 28-years, the garden that I maintained and cultivated after my Mother’s passing in 1992, was no more. Though, despite the weeds that have spread everywhere, tulips that she planted when I was about 9 or 10 years old, still continue to thrive. There has to be a moral in that.