Lessons from a Rogue Plant
Today I was clearing out an old pallet that had been a platform for some growbags, and I found this beautiful Komatsuna. I could brag about how beautiful it is, pick it and set up a staged pic, pretend I can take the credit for it. But this beautiful, healthy, giant plant grew 100% on it’s own, between the rails of the pallet in the native sandy soil with no amendments or coddling. I planted some Komatsuna nearby around a year ago, but I honestly have no idea how this plant got here.
This has been a lesson I’ve been taught by my garden many times. Sometimes plants die, no matter what I do. And sometimes plants thrive, no matter what I do. There is a mystery to this art, it’s not always science, and there is a humility that we need to have as we attempt to manipulate what is a wild and natural process. Sometimes I take the lead and tell my garden exactly what I want, but I need to stay humble and acknowledge that the garden is a part of this collaboration. I can’t always control the outcome.
But it is worth considering, why did this plant grow without any assistance? How did this happen? How can I learn from this and replicate it? First of all, timing is everything. This plant loves the cooler weather, and would not have been able to grow like this in the heat of summer. So knowing that, I will be planting more Komatsuna in the mid fall so it’s growing in the time it likes best. Secondly, I will remember that it may like a bit more shade, as this area is only sunny in the morning, and this is by far my prettiest Komatsuna in the garden. Third, I am aware that I found several beneficial insects hanging out near this plant, which reinforces in my mind that the ecosystem I’m creating in my garden is providing protection and prevention that I’m not always aware of. And finally, I can rest in the fact that it’s not all within my control, and I can do my best to provide the perfect soil and fertilization, but sometimes it’s good to remember that we’re working with nature, and nature gets a say here. Tonight I’m going to enjoy some sauteed Komatsuna, and be grateful for the lessons learned and the gift of gardening.
