Plant Parenting

More people are now getting involved with gardening and growing their own plants than at any time before in history. This is a trend that is not only welcome; it also signifies change in social attitudes by all sections of the populace. This is a win – win situation for people and for the planet.

A new demography that has keenly embraced gardening are the millennials.  Millennials are the young people reaching adulthood in the early 21^st century. They will be the game changers of the future and for them universally to recognize the importance of connecting with nature could be a factor that saves our planet from dangers of climate change.

Plant parenting is a term coined by the millennial generation. It means caring for plants as you would for children or pets. The term may be new but the practice has been followed for thousands of years. Humans have been plant parents without knowing it because they did it for the necessity of sustenance and survival. Then they did it for creating beautiful spaces in the form of public and private gardens which became the hallmarks of successful societies. From there plants were brought indoors as ornamental pieces and this trend became a welcome invasion of the outdoors into the indoors.

Today plants are an integral part of a majority of homes. And they are being recognized as living things and cared for, rather than inanimate objects, which in return provide many benefits to the owner.

Today’s millennials are mostly independent minded. They are aware, curious and form opinions from experience rather than hearsay.  What older gardeners have long known, a younger generation is beginning to discover – growing plants is good for your mental health. People of all ages find it relaxing, soothing, and comforting to work outside in a garden but also to be surrounded by green plants inside. Growing plants also provides an antidote to being hyper connected to devices and technology.

Millennial plant parenthood is a positive trend. Young people are increasingly interested in growing plants indoors. The reason behind this may be the fact that millennials have put off having children. Another factor is that a lot of young people rent rather than own homes, limiting outdoor gardening options. Vanity also plays a role. It’s nice, these days, to be seen in the community as a plant grower. You would never get a thumbs down review!

On a global scale information on the disastrous consequences of climate change is seeping into the young. They want to see themselves as environmental stewards rather than plunderers of natural capital.

To be a plant parent is as simple as getting a houseplant and caring for it as you would a child or pet to help it grow and thrive.