Heirloom Plants, share a little bit then pass it on!
The term heirloom as it relates to a plant is associated with its proven history of sustainability. For examples, in Williamsburg Virginia, there are crape myrtle shrubs which are estimated to be 400 years old; and, in Fredericksburg, in a garden once tended by George Washington’s mother, peony and iris plants more than 200 years old. So, realistically not only can a plant have proven sustainability but generational connections to people and events that produce folklore stories.
Recently, I opened my central Virginia garden for a walk-about. As my guests walked the space, I shared stories of the plant origins, some native and others either heirloom or vendor supplied regional test plants. Pausing to draw attention to an array of colored violets, I pointed out that introduced native white blooming violets, previously located on my grandparents’ farm, had cross pollinate with regional purple blooming violets to create a rainbow of varied colors. Next, I focus attention on an herb, feverfew. Named for its medical purpose, these plants were brewed into a tea-like drink for their ability to lesson the affect of fevers. Again, pausing, my guests and I experienced the wonder of towering ‘snow ball’ shrubs covered with blooms and the smell of ‘mock orange’ shrubs in bloom.
Carefully stepping around beds of plants, I lift leaves to expose seedlings. Helleborus, peonies, iris and Japanese maple trees supplied by vendors as test plants had produced volunteer seedlings. Nevertheless, perhaps the more impressive planting is a massive mound of heirloom roses. Clippings most likely transported by my immigrant homesteading family are presently interwoven as a blend of pink and white blooms. While the guests and I discuss stories connected to these generational plants, I am reminded of the lyrics of a song.
In the song - Be the Hands, the Heart of God – a phrase is repeated: ‘save a little bit, then pass it on’. While the song refers to the concept of saving peace, love, and light I’d add heirloom plant clippings. For, it is a connection with plants that enables our ability to sustain. So, as we celebrate spring, a season of plant renewal, let’s reflect on what each of us can do to adopt lifelong habits of environmental stewardship, ‘save a little bit then pass it on’. Let’s make choices that insure the survival of heirloom plants, creating a legacy of healthier urban/suburban communities.
Side-bar: Heirloom Roses
Arm and arm like sisters,
ramblers intertwine
Linking generations,
patience grew the vine.
Gardener shared the clippings,
homestead beautified.
Joining families together,
tradition glorified.
Arm and arm like sisters,
gardeners did commit
To a family’s heritage,
for their benefit.
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