PASSION AND PINCUSHIONS

"Must it always have a purpose? Can it not simply be...." pause for effect "....Pretty?!!!"
My response was not a glare but a dramatic stare; " But they are purposeful. And pretty. Always."
The knowing silence. A shake of the head. A shrug.
"OKAY!" I retorted. "Maybe not always"
"Your gardens. Your decision" FarmerBuckaroo smiled. "I'm just saying. Maybe you would like some hanging baskets - simply because they brighten a room. Your herb gardens would not exactly look terrible with pincushions among the wormwood and rue" He nodded in the direction of a breathtaking display of our indigenous pincushions and proteas. All in an autumnal show of fiery shades, despite being early summer. He knew me too well. Without a second invitation - or objection - I grabbed the proffered wallet and walked over to the pincushions.

And so our long day on the road to deliver goat bucklings and do monthly farm shopping ended at the wonderful coastal farm nursery. The Indian ocean as a backdrop and aisle upon aisle of every imaginable seedling, flower, tree and shrub. I selected my favourite ferns to plant in hanging baskets indoors. (Favourite from a lifetime ago when my city gardenening meant a profusion of hanging baskets in my apartment). A maidenhair fern as well as asparagus fern. Naturally I loaded up on herbs. I mean for everyone who knows anything about dirty fingernails you can identify, right @riverflows? Summer or winter, herbs is where my gardening passion lies this and every month of a Garden Journal

As soon as we were home FarmerBuckaroo hopped onto the tractor to scoop up compost to get our green acquisitions into the soil. Bee balm, chamomile, horseradish, savoury and a raspberry bush. I couldn't help myself. Purpose and pretty is still my go-to. Herbs for culinary purposes, healing purposes and the beauty of the scent and floral display. Of course the bees love herbs as much as I do.

We'd bought a couple trays of veggie seedlings as well. We love supporting local. Especially as my germination efforts are somewhat challenged.

Back to Eden is one of my favourite stops to shop without being in a shop. Their gardening variety and ethical practices tick the right boxes.

They just need a tiny organic coffeeshop for the enthusiastic and challenged green fingers.

The children could run up and down the stone covered walkways and splash each other in the water fountains as I oggled the pincushions.

We don't get there often. The Garden Route along the beautiful Indian ocean is hours drive from our homestead. No matter the season, there is always a splash of colour, smiling faces and green choices.

Did I load up with pretty or just practically pretty? Welllllllllll.... This is a one of a kind @marketfriday stop which would delight the flower loving heart of @dswigle. As well as my indigeonous loving brother @craigcryptoking. How about some bonsai which is where your passion lies? The striking autumnal colours of the pincushions is a show stopper that will delight the heart of even those with perfectly manicured hands. As for me. Pretty or practical; I keep my fingers in the soil and my heart singing at the beauty.