“People Are Like Plants” by Gary Carter is a thought-provoking short poem about gardening that draws parallels between human characteristics and various plant species. This poem explores the diverse personalities and traits of individuals, likening them to the unique qualities of different plants.

Throughout this short poem about gardening, Carter employs vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the similarities between people and plants. He begins by comparing some individuals to sunflowers, describing them as “big, bold, and sassy,” while others are more akin to the timid and unassuming violets. This comparison highlights the range of personalities that exist within the human population, from the outgoing and confident to the shy and reserved.

The poet then delves into the less desirable traits that some people may possess in this short poem about gardening, comparing them to plants with unpleasant odors, such as the skunk plant, rue, garlic, onions, and the carrion plant. This metaphor suggests that, just like plants, some individuals may have off-putting or disagreeable qualities.

Carter also explores the physical characteristics of people, likening those who are tall and proud to the coastal redwood, hemlock, or fir, while comparing those who are short and stout to the boxwood or barrel cactus. This comparison emphasizes the diversity in human appearance and stature.

This short poem about gardening then touches upon the idea that both plants and people can be tame or wild and that their behavior can vary from brazen to demure. This observation suggests that individuals, like plants, can exhibit a wide range of behaviors and temperaments.

Carter goes on to emphasize the importance of nurturing both plants and people, stating that “a little love and care” can go a long way. He suggests that providing nourishment, a suitable environment, and kind words can positively impact the growth and well-being of both plants and individuals.

The final stanza of this short poem about gardening introduces a thought-provoking twist, suggesting that if not for a small difference in the fabric of our lives, the roles of people and plants could easily be reversed. The poet imagines himself as a handsome rose, while his “yellow mum” (a play on the word “mum” meaning mother and the chrysanthemum flower) would be “just another guy.” This clever wordplay and role reversal highlight the interconnectedness between humans and nature, emphasizing that we are all part of the same ecosystem.

People Are Like Plants

By Gary Carter

People are like plants
I’ve been thinking
Some are big, bold and sassy
Like sunflowers, while others
Remind me of, well,
Violets a-shrinking

Some are like roses
Beautiful, well-structured and sweet
Others are smelly
Like the skunk plant, rue
Garlic, onions, the carrion plant
And overripe beets

Some people grow tall, straight and proud
Like the coastal redwood, hemlock or fir
While others are short and stout
Like the boxwood, or barrel cactus
Some are tame, and some are wild
Some become brazen, while others demure

A little love and care
For both, will go a long way
Some good food, some water
A good environment to grow in
A kind word now and then
Will make either one’s day

So now you know why people are a
Lot like plants, including you and I
But for one small atom
In the fabric of our lives
Our roles could easily be reversed
I could be a handsome rose, and my yellow mum?
Well, just another guy

Published originally in 2023, in GreenPrints Issue #136.

This short poem about gardening comes from our archive, which spans over 30 years, and includes more than 140 magazine issues of GreenPrints. Pieces like these that inject the joy of gardening into everyday life lessons always brighten up my day, and I hope it does for you as well. Enjoy!

What did you think about this poem? Let me know in the comments!