Bringing home the green

There’s a reason I don’t go to pet stores. I have no resistance to puppies, kittens, even tiny goldfish and lizards. I know this about myself, and I love my ancient cat too much to inflict a younger sibling on him at this stage of his life. I have no such filters that prevent me from going into plant stores.

I did that yesterday. And the day before. Multiple, excessive plant purchases, complete with pots, potting soil, marble chips and a tin watering can. I cannot resist the waving, whimpering and begging coming from the sea of leaves. Pick me! Pick me! There’s a reason these places are called nurseries: the wall-to-wall cute works on your resistance. Ok, MY resistance. There they are, watered, groomed, accessorized, filled with the promise of beauty, aroma and yes, companionship.

And it’s true: the spider plants have already provided irresistible amusement to the cat. I didn’t know his 14-year-old self was agile enough to jump into the bay window through those annoying vertical blinds to feast and regurgitate with abandon all over the new carpet. Like after the new puppy, the stain remover was the next to arrive.

I can’t believe I actually brought something called a snake plant into my house. Or the spiders. But, unlike their namesakes, there’s no ick factor. It’s all green joy. They match my walls really well. They soften the fireplace mantle. They give me extra oxygen and suck up bad stuff in the air. Come to think of it, my beloved former dogs never did that much for me. I’m eyeing the cat, who reminds me that, despite his greenery fetish, his snuggly purrs are an excellent substitute for Valium. He can stay.

As can the new houseplants. The cat’s favorite snack, the spider plants, have been moved decoratively out of reach. He’s uninterested in the palm-like thing now in the bay window. The snake plant has spread out well in its new, rectangular container. The ivy drapes nicely among the books and the peace lilies preside hopefully in the bedroom & office. The lucky bamboo communes nicely with the aromatic basil in the kitchen and all is right with the world.

Now, if I can stay out of those places…..