Tag: nature lovers

  • I Laughed When She Said “Plant It”—Then This Happened 🍍

    I Laughed When She Said “Plant It”—Then This Happened 🍍

    A neighbor handed me the top of a store-bought pineapple she’d cut off while slicing the fruit. Instead of tossing it, she thought I might want to plant it—just to see what happens.

    I literally laughed out loud. “Plant it? Really?” I bellowed.

    Two years later, the joke’s on me.

    Despite my ignorance and complete lack of nurturing, that pineapple top I stuck in a pot turned into a legitimate, fruit-bearing plant in my Florida garden. I think I fertilized it once, watered it now and then, and never weeded it. Basically, a felony case of plant neglect.

    Honestly, I forgot it even existed.

    The pot sat abandoned in a back corner of my garden—out of sight, out of mind. But then, while mulching in early spring, I noticed something unbelievable: a pup sprouting from the center of the plant.

    That got my attention.

    I kept an eye on it, hoping for a sweet payoff. And sure enough, it happened! That little pup turned into a full-blown pineapple. Once it ripened to a golden hue, I cut it free, sliced it up, and shared the sweet success with my family.

    So good. 😊

    Now, the freshly twisted top is sitting in water, starting the rooting process all over again. This time, I might pay more attention.

    Or maybe not.

    Why mess with success?

    Story Writer/Photographer: Steve Geiger, Mellow Wanderer Creator

  • Spring Time Wonder: How Butterflies Are Made

    Spring Time Wonder: How Butterflies Are Made

    I’m awestruck watching life transform. The incredible metamorphosis from a six-legged monarch caterpillar into a two-winged butterfly is simply extraordinary, and its beauty is mesmerizing. I set up my own backyard kit to document this process with my GoPro camera. First, I placed two caterpillars and cuttings from a milkweed plant, their favorite food, inside my screen cage. As they feasted on milkweed, I patiently awaited for the magical transformation, which I estimate took several days.

    At a certain point, one of the caterpillars formed a chrysalis, appearing dark and mature, while the other seemed poised to undergo its own transformation. Sensing the timing was right—a pure guess on my part—I positioned the camera, activated the timelapse mode, and let it roll. Then, I stepped away. Hours later, upon returning to check, I discovered the butterfly emerged and the caterpillar turned into a chrysalis. Excitement surged through my body as I hoped the camera captured it all.

    Upon playback, my joy knew no bounds. There it was: Life unfolding before my eyes! If you ever get the chance to experience this for yourself, seize it. The rewards are beyond measure.