The holiday season is a time of excitement for us humans. But plants – living beings which I believe are sentient – worry and fear for their survival when their humans lock up the house to go away on holiday. 

Because we have taken plants away from their natural habitat, they are completely dependent on us for everything. The tap or watering can could be just an inch away, but many houseplants or those growing in pots have died from dehydration despite being so close to the source of life – water. 

Inclement of weather, such uncharacteristically hot and sunny days, have burned poor delicate leaves, impairing a plant’s ability to make food as well as increasing their need for water. If you are not around to move plants out of extreme sun, then leave them in the shade before you go on your holiday.

So here are a few things to do before you leave your plant friends – just a little effort to keep them alive:

1. If possible, ask a friend, a friendly neighbour or other residents in your area to pop in and water your plants. If you are not comfortable entrusting your keys to others, leave the plants where they can be accessible from outside;
2. Leave a watering can nearby to make it simpler for someone to water your plants;
3. Do not leave plants in the open in case we get uncharacteristically hot days and you are not around to move them into the shade;
4. Give them a good watering before you leave;
5. Reassure your plants that you will be back!
6. Finally, make this watering apparatus – poke holes into the lid of used water bottles and stick the bottles upside down into the soil near your plants. You need bigger bottles for bigger plants.

Involving your child/students in these pre-holiday preparations for your plants give your child the opportunity to learn an important lifeskill that they will need to survive as independent adults – university life, early career, parenthood and beyond. So involve them, and your plants will thank you for raising a kind soul!

Ode from an old geranium:

To the bees, birds and your family, I have been a friend

I will try my best to stay alive and survive till the end.

My plant friends here have died from neglect and no water

I watched in fear as their flowers and leaves slowly falter.

We called for help, “Water please!” we begged and hoped

No one heard our cries, but in the beginning we coped.

We shared our water, we even tried to sing and laugh

We did all we could, but there simply wasn’t enough.

To see them perish, I grieve but could not cry

As I cannot spare the water without which I will also die.

I am in pain from the loss; for my own life I fear too

But I am still here everyday, blooming for you.

I am trying very hard, so please help me live

Just a little water regularly is all you need to give.