Once upon a time, my beloved Auntie TJ was reading a great novel called “The Hardacres.” The series chronicled the life of the Hardacre family, beginning in the late 1800’s. Each time I’d call to chat, she’d tell me about the latest details and making it clear this story was a good one.
At that time, still teaching, I would so look forward to my holidays. Time was always reserved for a visit with my Godmother on the central coast of the Pacific Ocean. Some days, we’d stay in jammies from sun up until sun down, chatting about everything under the sun, while laughing through it all. Those times shared with her are the most cherished memories of my entire life and I look forward to making more. Even more exciting was the fact that she lived across the street from the Goddess of the Central Coast!! Absolutely enchanting.
Getting back to “The Hardacres”…. Auntie TJ shared that the characters in this book were extremely poor in their early years. The husband spent endless days as a “fish gutter”. When work moved from port to port, the Hardacers followed.
During these moves, with very few possessions, there was a prized plant that traveled with them. Wrapped in a small bandana, it was one of the few possessions that the wife grabbed before walking out the door. That plant was an Aspidistra.
I followed along as TJ chatted about the story, but on one word, I needed a spell check. I’d never heard of such a word or plant and had no idea what it would look like. After our talk, I did some research, enlightening myself on the Aspidistra plant.
Days turned into weeks, and TJ continued to read. The Aspidistra plant continued to move and age with the couple as they began to find success in life. Always, the plant was there. It was then TJ decided she, too, needed an Aspidistra. Off to the nursery she went.
TJ’s local nursery sells every coastal plant you can imagine. Someday I’d love to live where all coastal plants grow wild. Everything “un-desert” can be purchased there. Surely they’d know of or even sell an Aspidistra. Of this, TJ was certain.
Sadly, she soon learned that none of the nursery specialists knew of this Aspidistra plant about which she inquired. Just what was this mystery plant? They had not a clue. That much they could tell her. By the way, if they didn’t sell it, it probably wouldn’t grow at the coast.
‘Well, what about the fish-mongering Hardacres? Didn’t they live at the coast in 1890? It certainly grew for decades there…..” TJ thought to herself.
Deep in thought while heading towards the ferns and not paying attention in the very crowded nursery, she almost tripped on a potted plant. Attractive to her eye, she picked up the pot. Her heart almost stopped. Printed right on the side of the pot…. Aspidistra!!!!!!!!!!! No kidding!!!!!!
Aspidistra!!!!!! The very plant she had come to purchase was the lone plant on which she almost tripped. Now, she owned her very own Aspidistra.
During my next visit there was no arguing. The year was 2007. I needed my very own blue pot AND Aspidistra. That’s all there was to it and returning home, I owned one.
Seventeen years later, I’m happy to report that I just repotted my Aspidistra. Although not in the best shape, she’s still green and growing. It’s the only plant I’ve had for that many years. Hopefully, with a little TLC from HHH, my plant will live many more years, just like the plant in the book.
Whatever you do today, consider growing some houseplants. They clean the air and add a nice touch to any home. If you’re new at this, try a Pothos. They thrive under most conditions. Give it a try! You might be repotting it seventeen years from now, just like my Aspidistra and me.
More Tomorrow.