New Growth

This beautiful heart became even more meaningful when I was asked to include something that could potentially take root, grow, and be planted for future generations to enjoy - something to serve as a lasting memory of a loved one.

Willow is always a reliable choice; place it in water and, before long, it will begin to root, eventually growing into a tree within just a few years.

Cotton, however, was a new experience for me. Just two weeks ago, a rancid smell in the kitchen reminded me of a vase containing some cut cotton branches. The unpleasant odor came from the stagnant water they’d been sitting in. As I removed them with the intention of drying the stems, I was surprised to find that the bottom cotton boll - still resting in a tiny amount of water - had started to develop roots.

I’m not entirely sure whether cotton will thrive in our climate, but I’m excited to give it a try. I hope my customer has the same success, and that their plant becomes a living tribute to someone special.