First the Word, Then the Plant: The Philosophy Behind My Work
Names have power. They carry meaning, history, and intention. When I started my business back in 2020, I knew I wanted a name that reflected not just what I do but how I approach the work of gardening, storytelling, herbal formulation, and community-building.
So, why Word & Plant?
The Ancient Inspiration
The phrase comes from an ancient adage: “First the word, then the plant, lastly the knife.” It’s attributed to Asclepias of Thessaly, a healer from circa 1,000 BC. These words spoke to me immediately because they encapsulate something timeless about the human relationship with plants:
“First the word” represents understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. It’s about learning and connecting—starting with intention and purpose.
“Then the plant” represents the intervention, the action, and the tool for healing, growth, and change.
“Lastly the knife” suggests the necessary step of removal or pruning—cutting away what no longer serves, making space for renewal and transformation.
This ancient wisdom has become the foundation of everything I do. Whether I’m helping someone create a garden that feels uniquely theirs, collaborating with organizations to strengthen their relationships with communities, or formulating herbal products designed to support deep healing, it all starts with the word.
For me, the word means beginning with curiosity, intention, and a willingness to listen. It means asking questions that matter: What is this landscape or community trying to tell us? What are this person’s hopes and needs? How can the plants themselves guide the process? This stage isn’t about imposing solutions but uncovering wisdom that already exists—in the people, the plants, and the place.
From there, we move to the plant. Whether it’s choosing a particular native species for a garden or crafting an healing herbal soap, this stage is about taking intentional action. It’s about putting into practice the knowledge we’ve gathered and creating something that’s not only functional but meaningful. With herbal products to illustrate this —it’s not just about treating symptoms. I strive to work from a deeper understanding of both humans and plants, crafting remedies that honor their unique relationship.
And then there’s the knife. Sometimes this means letting go of approaches that no longer serve us—whether it’s an unsustainable gardening practice or an outdated way of thinking about health and wellness. The knife represents the courage to make space for something new, something better.
One of the things I love most about this philosophy is how collaborative it is. Plants aren’t just tools or resources to be “used”—they’re partners. When we work with plants, we’re participating in an ancient, reciprocal relationship. Plants teach us patience, adaptability, and the value of slow, intentional growth. They remind us that healing—whether it’s personal, environmental, or communal—is a process, not a shortcut or surface-level solution.
This philosophy also extends to the people I work with. Whether I’m guiding a family through the process of creating their first garden or helping an organization reconnect with its mission, the goal is always collaboration. It’s about helping people and plants find their rhythm together, so the results feel organic, sustainable, and deeply rooted.
Healing Through Understanding
The name Word & Plant also reflects my belief that true healing starts with understanding. This is why I’ve dedicated so much of my work to education—whether it’s teaching workshops, writing about plants and their traditional uses, or helping individuals reconnect with their own “green thumbs in training.” I love empowering people with the tools and knowledge they need to grow—both literally and metaphorically.
When I’m working on a new herbal remedy, I think of it as more than just solving a problem. It’s a chance to connect human needs with the wisdom of plants. By learning how a plant works—its role in the environment and its healing properties—and pairing that with a deep understanding of the person who will work with it, I can create something that’s not just helpful but truly meaningful. It’s about fostering lasting balance, not just a quick solution.
A Name That Keeps Growing
As Word & Plant continues to evolve, the meaning behind the name grows with it. What started as a nod to ancient wisdom has become a guiding principle for how I approach every aspect of my work. It’s a reminder that the process of growth—whether it’s in a garden, a community, or an individual—is cyclical.
There will always be moments of learning (the word), moments of action (the plant), and moments of transformation (the knife).
I hope that by sharing the story behind Word & Plant, I’ve given you a glimpse into not just what I do, but why I do it. For me, this work is about more than gardening or herbalism or consulting—it’s about nurturing connections: between people and plants, between knowledge and action, and between the past and the future.
And just like in nature, there’s always room to grow.