FEATURE
Green Thumb
GODDESS
From daylilies to plants , Collinsville ’ s Susan Huey grows it all
By Kylia Hayes • Contributing Writer Photos by Michael Spears
As spring makes its way around the corner , nature ’ s beauty becomes more noticeable . To some , nature is just something that involves trees and plants . But to those like Collinsville resident Susan Huey , it is a lifestyle .
“ I see nature as a way to detox and relax after the many things that life throws at us ,” she said . “ Nature is full of lessons , if we just watch and listen .”
Huey likes to plant flowers and sometimes fruit trees . Her love for plants evolved at a young age , when she planted with her grandmother then later her mother .
“ My mother had such huge gardens and a great love for flowers ,” she said .
After Huey became older and married , her father gave her a huge spot of land . After receiving seeds from a close friend , her husband created a flower bed . Being in nature , specifically her garden , became an outlet for Huey .
“ My love of gardening and planting flowers didn ’ t come until I got my own family and needed time for myself ,” she said .
Her love for flowers and gardening became so strong , she tried to get her daughters Jennifer , Erin and Bethany involved in the activity . While Erin and Bethany dabble in gardening , Jennifer has a big garden where grows more herbs than flowers .
“ When they have a problem , they call mama ,” she said .
And though Huey has a lot of experience with various forms of planting , she tends to favor flowers , specifically daylilies .
“ One bloom only lasts for one day ,” she noted . “ They all start really pretty during the day , but that beauty starts to fade as the day and night go on . It is a spiritual lesson because the Lord only gives us enough for each day . We are not promised tomorrow , so each day he provides enough for us . Daylilies remind me of that .”
Huey further explained her love for daylilies by ref-
“ I see nature as a way to detox and relax after the many things that life throws at us . Nature is full of lessons , if we just watch and listen .”
Collinsville resident Susan Huey
16 • MERIDIAN HOME & STYLE