Thank you to all of you who have continued to support Bountiful Gardens! We have a lot of new plant varieties coming in this year to keep you intrigued and excited about gardening.
Today we wanted to invite all of our customers to come over throughout the winter to our Bountiful Ewing & Lawrenceville Greenhouses. Feeling the winter blues? A trip to the greenhouse can help immensely with seasonal depression!
We will continue to bring in new plants that are ready to go home with you. New pots and assorted containers keep coming in so you can dress them up, too! Indoor gardening was not just a quarantine fad–some of us are true collectors!
Have you ever heard of Ikigai?
It is a concept relative to minimalism that is composed of four ideas: what you’re good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. From a personal point of view, as a plant enthusiast, the concept of Ikigai strongly resonates with my interests and profession. There are a number of connections between taking care of houseplants, the plant hobby and the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which seeks to live a life of meaning.
What am I good at?
Ikigai stresses the significance of delighting in tending to something and witnessing it flourish. Contributing to the growth of something bigger than yourself, like tending to a plant, can be a source of purpose. It centers on the concept of nurturing life — being compassionate about plants. Am I good at plant care? How do I deal with plants, and how can I grow alongside them?
What do I love?
Obviously, plants! But how much do I love them? It's more than just about taking care of plants and enjoying their beautiful, lush growth. That’s what matters the most. That’s the essence of being a plant parent in the first place. Digging deeper, the act of tending to houseplants can be a meditative practice, promoting focus and mindfulness in the present moment. Ikigai aligns with this concept, encouraging individuals to be fully engaged in the present activities they find fulfilling.
What does the world need?
Of course, more plants! For me, the easiest way to share with the world the beauty of plants in our chaotic, internet-based society is to write about them in our email blasts and post them online, where people can appreciate the fantastic foliage, flowers, and butterflies they attract one post at a time (but seeing them in person is way better). The passion for plants can arise in anyone, and our task is to be there when that moment strikes so we can shepherd them through the plant pastures. Help NPPs (non-plant people) by providing them with unsolicited advice and plant-based facts and ideas until they see the light! :)
Will I get paid for it?
You definitely can. Are you open-minded? For starters, a plant parent could become a greenhouse grower, a horticulture therapist, interior plant technician, a florist, a farmer–the list goes on! By choosing a career in horticulture, we are not only able to share the beauty of the plants, but also earn a living that could pay some bills and of course, buy more plants. Remember: turn your passion into pesos! Though you need to invest your time and finances, for someone who is very resourceful, those things will never be an issue.
Overall, caring for houseplants and the plant hobby can be a microcosm of the core tenets of Ikigai. It can provide a sense of purpose, promote mindfulness, and foster a connection with nature, all of which contribute to a more meaningful life.
Bring a friend if you are looking for something to do together. We are open every day 9 am-5 pm all Winter long at both our Ewing and Lawrenceville locations!
Can't wait? Let Ike take you on a guided tour of our Ewing greenhouse in the video below!
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