Imagine talking plants. I thought these answers, given by school children at Tower Hill Botanic Garden (now New England Botanic Garden) over the recent winter break, were too charming and (sometimes) thoughtful not to share.
Tell me – If you could talk to a plant – like really, actually have a conversation – what would ask?
The idea of talking to a plant – and considering a being worthy of conversation – even if it is just small talk. I’m wondering, if plants could talk, what would they say- it makes me feel a little less people-focused and a little more aware that humans and our priorities are the only things to consider.
What would you ask? Here is what the kids pondered:
Do bees hurt you?
Does it bother you when people touch you?
Do you like to be inside or outside?
Do you ever wish you could eat other food?
What’s it like to have roots?
Are your leaves heavy?
Does it hurt you when people pick you?
What’s it like to be watered?
Do you eat bugs?
Do you want to be my friend?
What’s it like being a seed?
Do you know how to talk?
Are you thirsty?
Do you mind the snow?
Do you like it when people visit you?
Does it feel good to be pulled out of the ground?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What is it like to be a plant?
What do you do all day?
Can you make a flower, please?
Do you like to listen to music?
Hey Camellia, what’s your favorite color?
Do you like the summer?
Do you have any cookies?
Will you give me an answer back?
How many wishes do you have?
Did you get to pick what kind of leaves or flowers you grow?
Do you have your own name, not just the flower name?
Can you make it warmer, please?
Do you really have feet?
What do you do in all of your free time?
Does fall and winter make you sad?
Why are you a plant? I like trees.
Can you bring me spring and summer?
What do you do when you have to go to the bathroom?
Can you make winter go away, please? Why do you have so many petals?
Why do you grow?
Why do you have such a weird shape?
Can you do a flower dance?
What’s your fall color?
Can you do a cartwheel?
What is your name?
Do you grow in a certain season?
Do you like princesses?
How do you get so beautiful?
Do you recycle?
Can I smell your gorgeous scent?
How tall would you grow?
Where do you live?
What season do you like best?
Do you have feelings?
What are your favorite hobbies?
Are you as happy as you look?
Are you made of velvet?
How did you become so pretty?
Do you ever want to say, “Leaf me alone?”
Where do you want to be planted?
Can I be you for one day?
Can I eat you?
What do you like to do?
Are you a sunflower?
How do you grow so tall?
Where are your seeds?
Where are you from?
Where do you live?
Are you happy?
Hi! I want to eat you. Do I have permission?
Is it fun being a flower?
How do trees get their wood?
The image above is a lower sketch by artist and author Kim Piper Werker (CC 2.0) who, BTW has a very interesting looking book out about creativity called Make it Mighty Ugly – Exercises & Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain’t Pretty.
Serves to illustrate the unfortunate fact that we grow stupider and less compassionate as we age.
This is adorable. What a great way to get children really thinking about plants!