Transitions
"You were once wild here. Don't let them them tame you." Isadora Duncan
I was keenly aware of the change in my mother's spirit when I would bring her fresh flowers during her 3rd and final bout with cancer. Flowers were a language we had between us because as a very young child, she was the one who encouraged me to play in the dirt barefoot, later calling me
"Wild Thing"
She not only guided me on how to grow plants from seed, she showed me how to lean in and to take the time to look closely.
Those moments of shared awe would follow me throughout my life and guide me in the many decisions I would make while mothering, teaching and in the creation of Wild Thing Botanicals.
GARDENING WARRIORS

School became a science laboratory of experiments and wonderings that had to be explored.
CH CH CHANGES

I was most excited to learn that a whopping 40% of our lives is within our control to create the circumstances, behaviors and thoughts that can lead to a greater sense of well-being and happiness. I started experimenting by making a list of activities that give me joy and planned them into my day. I noticed an immediate change in my life, especially if I was struggling with self-doubt and fear.
I was reminded of my mother's journey and how just looking at flowers or plants would calm her. I wanted to figure out a way to give that experience of calm and joy to others.
40% = choices + nature = happier

Delivering Bouquets 2020
By now it was time to bring in my daughter Danielle, the creative, experienced and practical one in business for some guidance and honest advice. I took her to The Joy Bus Diner so she could experience it for herself.
We had some serious no-idea-is ridiculous brainstorming. She understood all of the different pieces I wanted to bring together and we began planning. I had the idea of an online plant business that would not just deliver but also change the experience of owning a plant to a positive one. We began building around that idea and the wild ideas were becoming a reality.
We also knew we wanted to use the business as a force for good.
We decided that for every product purchased, a floral bouquet or plant would be given to a cancer patient with the Joy Bus. We were also excited that by using this model, our customers would become partners with us and together we would make a positive impact in our community.
We call it Plant Philanthropy
Spring 2020 plants and flowers donated to The Joy Bus Cancer Patients
DEAD PLANTS TELL NO TALES
We are 3rd and 4th generation gardeners, so houseplant care was not new to us. We have experienced all the frustrations and disappointments that everyone who has ever owned a plant has.
One day a plant looks fine, the next day it's near death, never knowing what went wrong or how to find out, much less having the time to embark on some research.
We wanted to change the plant parenting experience to a positive one.
HIGH HOPES
'But she's got high hopes, she's got high hopes
She's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes'
Imaging something new based on the memories of my mother's smile when I brought her flowers, my young daughter's delight as we gardened together, the hundreds of children I taught to garden and the heartfelt phone calls I get from the Joy Bus patients, has brought me to today.
full circle
hands in the soil, again
giving flowers and plants
full of AWE and HOPE
Youngsters Cherry and Danielle. Dedicated to Gwen.