My Passion for Plants!

Has shaped my life positively

@Seema

When I came to the USA (California) 12 years back, it was shocking to see that the flora here was completely different from what I was used to seeing in India. It might seem insignificant to most people, but it was a big deal for me.

In the first week itself, my new bicycle developed punctures due to some thorny weed seeds strewn on the sidewalks. It was puncture vine.

@Seema

I realized it was urgent to know more about the local plants to stay away from further threats.

I had nobody to teach me, and it was stupid of me not to take advantage of Google. I would pester my IT spouse for help, so he suggested Project Noah, a biodiversity repository and discussion forum. I engaged with it, and the rest is history!

When you do something good out of love and to be true to yourself, rewards almost always follow. In my case, it has been:

Lots of publications. International collaborations. Book commission and paid review assignments.

My first book @Seema

A stronger bond with the foreign country I now call home.

@Seema

Running a resourceful blog for 8 years. Becoming the go-to person for plant identity. Deriving joy from foraging feijoa, passion fruit, loquat, kumquat, carissa, mulberry, silverberry among others, with the confidence of knowing the edible plants.

@Seema

Discovering that plants are like antidepressants with no side-effects. The latest reward are two kids who, listening to the anecdotes from me, are now competing with me in plant knowledge.

@Seema

I can go on and on. In a nutshell, it has been win-win since the beginning! I am a proud phytophile, dendrophile, and nemophilist.

Follow your passion. Find a way to make the most of the things that tug at your heart.