TESSA MENDOZA: Speaking the language of plants
Artist Tessa Mendoza started dabbling in gardening late last year but it was only during the lockdown when she plunged into it wholeheartedly. She decided to plant microgreens. “Why microgreens?” I asked. “Microgreens are the usual vegetable greens you find in the groceries but in ‘baby’ form. They are grown from seed and eaten when they are 10 to 14 days old. They are proven to be 40 percent more nutritious than their ‘adult’ counterparts. The best thing about microgreens is that you can grow them indoors by a window that gets some sunlight. They are organic, pest-free, and fertilizer free.”
Tessa is quite the prolific horticulturalist, having planted radishes, arugula, sweet peas, sunflowers, Lolla Rosa and broccoli. She has also sowed herbs such as rosemary, peppermint, lemon balm, tarragon, thyme, basil, oregano, lemongrass and pennywort. Tessa believes that this experience is beneficial to her wellbeing.
“Ever since I’ve gotten into the gardening, I’ve been more relaxed. I didn’t fully understand my mother’s obsession with her plants until I started planting. It’s therapeutic. It’s calming.”
More importantly, she has discovered the language of plants. “I learned that the number-one rule to growing a plant is to pay attention. I don’t talk to my plants, but they speak to me. When there are yellowing leaves, they are saying, ‘You are drowning me!’ Shrivelled leaves are plants complaining and saying, ‘I am thirsty.’ The wilted leaves whisper to me, ‘I don’t like it here. It’s too hot. Move me.’”