THE CIRCLE OF LIFE IS ALIVE AND WELL IN HOWICK

It kind of freaked me out a bit at the time… OK… it COMPLETELY grossed me out and if I am completely honest, isn’t something I would discuss over the dinner table. The fact of the matter is however, that this Punga fern has truly excelled itself at growing in my little native garden at home. What is it that makes it grow so well? Well, apparently it is the placenta of a rather cute 6 year old.

My lovely Mother-in-law is a Midwife and decided that she would like to partake in this traditional practice to celebrate the arrival of her first grand-child… and I was happy to let her do this - I even dug the hole, but then retreated to the farthest corner of the house before I grossed myself out any further. I guess it could have been worse - we DO own a Crock-Pot!

Having kids is an important step for me - carrying on our family story for another generation ensures that all the things that are important to my family, live on in the lives of my kids. The fern has continued to send out fronds of great quality and each brings valuable life to the whole plant. I pray that my little “shoots” will continue to bear fruit that will bring life to our family for a very long time… (editor’s note: Said fern has not QUITE made it through the 2014 summer heat… but you get the point anyway).