How would you do on the following test?
You’re sitting at a table, and there is one plant in front of you. You’re allowed to take the plant with you, or if you wait twenty minutes, you’ll get two plants to take with you. Would you be able to wait?
Tough to answer, right?! That’s my version of The Marshmallow Test, both the name of research done and of a book by Walter Mischel. Young children of varying ages had their self-control tested, not with plants but with marshmallows or other yummy treats. They sat down at a table with a treat and were told that the researcher was going to leave the room, and that if they were tired of waiting, they could ring the bell, the researcher would come back, and they could have the marshmallow. Or, if they were willing to wait some amount of time until the researcher came back, they would get two marshmallows.
What is really interesting is that so much time has passed since the original research that the kids they tested are now adults. And in general, the kids who waited for the larger reward tend to be more successful, healthier, and generally happier in life. Kids who went for the single marshmallow and rang the bell quickly tend to show the opposite.
I’d be willing to bet that most gardeners are in the group that would wait. As a kid it takes a lot to delay gratification. (I suppose it still takes a lot as an adult.) But as gardeners we are used to it. We know that we have to wait for flowers to bloom, for tomatoes to ripen, and for fruit trees to harvest. Gardening isn’t always an endeavor that yields results immediately. The results are often seen weeks, months, or even years later.
This notion that gardeners are good at waiting came to me as I enjoyed my plumeria in bloom. It’s one of those plants that only blooms once a year, but when it does, the flowers are magnificent. Thing is, if I had wanted immediate enjoyment, I could have found something in bloom. But I wanted this flower, so I had to wait for it. Gardening teaches patience, or maybe it’s only patient people that truly enjoy gardening.
And while patience is a virtue, there are times where we can let it go. This weekend is one of those moments. Our first ever Fall Kickoff event is here! It’s going to be a day filled with Fall Fun in the Garden; see the schedule of events below to plan your day. We promise no marshmallow tests, you get to enjoy everything right away.
Fall Kickoff, Saturday, September 30
10 am – Fall Front Porch Decorating: Floral expert, Jo, will demonstrate ideas for designing 3 front porches to give you an autumn refresh. Make Fall Happen outside YOUR front door!
11 am – Growing Gorgeous Roses with the Tampa Rose Society: Melissa Frey, executive committee member of the Society, will share tips and tricks for encouraging your roses to flourish.
12 pm – Made in the Shade Classics: We’ll discuss plants that love shade including quintessential Azaleas, Camellias, and Gardenias.
1 pm – Pruning and Deadheading Master Class: Do you find yourself wondering what flowers to deadhead, which ones don’t require it, when to prune, and more? This class is for you!
11 am to 2 pm – Full Tilt Sandwiches Food Truck: Welcome to a World of Sandwiches! Options include favorites from around the globe and here at home. The seasoned fries will tantalize your taste buds, too.
All Day – Pumpkin Patch and Pumpkin Wall: Delight in the star of the season, the pumpkin! Take photos at the Pumpkin Wall and pick out your favorite pumpkins and gourds for Fall decorating.
All Day – Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt: Your children will enjoy hunting for the Scarecrows made by Kerby’s Staff. Upon completion, kids will receive a prize bag with toys and seeds. They can also vote for their favorite Scarecrow!
Kerby’s Gift Card Giveaways: On the hour, from 10 am – 1 pm, we’ll raffle off a Kerby’s Gift Card.
Let’s kick off Fall, y’all!
