Excellent Plants and humans working together produce wonders. A Matter of Teamwork by Barry Penfold Dying Houseplant writing prompt entry Artwork by cleo85 at FanArtReview.com

“Now listen here plant. If you die I will get my butt kicked .” Jeremy was more mad at himself than the plant . He had been given a task to water the garden plants while his grandparents were away on holidays. Unfortunately, he had strayed from the task and lapsed into a play cycle with his mates. It was time for a team talk. “Now, I confess that I have largely been the one to stuff up. However, do you recall our talk when I took over the watering?” The elephant ear plant made no motion or response of any kind. “Well, I will remind you that this was to be a team effort. I water you and you stay green and look pretty. That then makes me happy but more importantly my grandparents are pleased. You mean a lot to them. Do you remember when you first arrived here? Small, but still with big leaves. Your position in the patio corner was a winner. Many people praised you.” Jeremy thought he recognised a movement, but perhaps it was merely wishful thinking on his part. “So, now that I am back on duty and have another four days to go, how about you use your roots and leaves to really dig deep and pick yourself up. The importance of your role cannot be under estimated. I mean, you freshen the air and assist the health of all the garden. I can say without a doubt that you are as clever as me.” The admission was difficult for Jeremy to make. He had no wish to make concessions to a plant but it was clear his failures required monumental grovelling. “ Four days, plant. I am giving you some extra fertiliser and putting some shade cloth over you. Every day I will be here.” The idea of talking to the plant had actually grown from his witnessing of his grandfather doing the same. Jeremy was merely following his example. The lack of watering the plants was a major deviation from his grandfather’s practice. The weather was hot and each day Jeremy attended to the garden. Plenty of water and shade cloth plus the pellet fertiliser his grandfather had shown him how to apply. On the third day Jeremy was surprised to see some new growth on the elephant ear. A good sign. He clipped the yellow leaf which made it look a lot better. There was hope yet. The plant had listened after all. The fourth day arrived. The last day of his “employment” as gardener and it was oh so important. He arrived early and he was nervous like never before. The plant looked good. It had brightened up to an extent where it shone bright in its colour. Wow, the plant had pulled through. Remarkable. “Hey plant. Thanks for playing ball. My grandfather will be so happy. It was all just a matter of teamwork.” Writing Prompt A houseplant is dying. Tell it why it needs to live. Recognized Author Notes Do plants understand humans? Maybe.

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