A beacon of hope

  2020 was a crazy year with covid and stay at home orders. Many people were working at home or not working at all. Many people have started new hobbies during this time. Hobbies have helped keep them busy and provide them with some normalcy during these crazy times. Plants are one such hobby that have helped people during trying times. Retailers and consumers have both been affected by the pandemic. Consumers have found a new love and appreciation for plants.

 Retailers are reporting major increases in sales. Demand has increased during the pandemic. Customers are still visiting stores even if they have to wear mask and sanitize their hands In fact a small plant shop opened their doors during the pandemic and are doing really well. The community has supported this small business and continued to do so. Etsy sellers and online merchants have also seen increases in sales. Some people can't leave their homes to go to a store, but they are still finding ways to bring beautiful plants into their homes. 

Studies have shown that offices that have plants show an increase in production. Part of the reason is it adds a personal touch to your work space. It also makes your work space more interesting. Plants can boost your focus and clarity. Studies have also shown that plants can help improve mental health. A study showed that people who live with nature around them are happier. Just looking at plants inside your home can help increase your happiness, you don't have to live in the country to feel the effects. Plants are also said to help improve your relationships. Owning plants gives you compassion. Its also been proven that talking to plants helps them grow. Its no wonder that sales of plants has increased during uncertain times with facts like these.

Plants also give us something to do. They need us to water them and make sure their needs are met. Not only do they need watered, but they need pruning, propagating and other care as well. I spend a lot of time researching plants and their needs. Plants are also giving us back a routine. Covid has taken away a lot of peoples normal routines, but taking care of houseplants provides a new routine. A watering routine is only part of it. 

They are also beautiful. They give us something beautiful to look at while we are staying put in our homes and a tranquil place to relax inside our homes. Our homes have become the place we work and our kids schools. Our homes are busy all the time now with a million things happening all the time. We need a place that is relaxing where we can have some downtime. Having plants in a room can help to provide that. 

 People are also having fun with their plants. Giving them names and taking videos of them. Instagram and tick tock are full of helpful and funny videos of people with their plants. Plants are acting as a beacon of hope for a lot of people during the pandemic. Plants are giving people something to look forward to. Seeing a new bud or leaf on a plant is exciting. It is hope and proof that we are doing something right. 

It has also provided a way to connect with new people and grow our friend circle. Many people find friends based on their hobbies. Due to the pandemic people are connecting with others in different ways. We can't meet in person anymore, but social media is helping us to still feel connected. Social media is full of plant groups. They have grown more during the pandemic with new ones popping up weekly. I have made a few new friends in such groups. People love to chat with other people about there hobbies. New comers are joining plant groups to find out more about their plants or what they are doing wrong with their plants. People that owned plants prior to the pandemic love helping newcomers with their plants. New friendships are being formed over a shared hobby. They may not be the same kind of friendships we are use to but we are finding new ways to connect and talk with people without being face to face.