The Twelve Gifts from the Garden . Charlene Costanzo

      Discovering a hidden talent is actually a very big deal… It can save the life of the real you, the part of you that’s special.

      —Mira Kirshenbaum

      After starting a load of laundry, I walk a short distance to visit the beautyberry plant. Neither its little white flowers nor its purplish berries are present at this time of the year, but I like to visit anyway. I enjoy what I perceive as the easygoing style, the generosity, the talent, and the caring nature of this plant. She gently taught me a great deal just by being her authentic self. I didn’t always have this appreciation for her. In fact, I thought she was boring and had little to offer. But, boy, was I wrong. She offers plenty to humans and animals. Since I have come to understand some things about beautyberry, she has become a touchstone for me.

      When it’s not in bloom, at a glance, Callicarpa americana can look like a ho-hum, nondescript bush. That was my limited first impression of beautyberry. On my next visit to the island, the berries were at their peak of ripeness and beauty. As I walked by, I couldn’t help but notice clusters of stunning, shining, glistening magenta fruits. Several times during that week, I stopped and actually stared at them. I approached to get a better look and took pictures from various perspectives. In one tight, close-up view they looked like a bunch of miniature grapes. In another view they looked like gems worthy of use in jewelry making. From yet another perspective, I saw a portion of a long stem growing horizontally, appearing as a stiff rope clothesline, dangling berry clusters seemingly freshly washed and waiting to dry. I named that one Fruit of the Bloom.

      Since then I’ve learned many more things about the beautyberry. This is now one of my favorite plants in this garden. Bear in mind, I say that about everything here. I don’t really have a fixed favorite. At different times of day, in different seasons, when I’m engaged in some way with a plant, it’s my favorite. I think each tree, plant, flower, vine, and shrub I’ve encountered here has been my favorite at some time, especially since I’ve been getting to know them all better.

      Even in full flower, the tiny clusters of white blossoms could easily be missed by the human eye because they are so small and often hidden behind leaves. But when it’s in bloom is another great time to photograph this beautyberry. Too bad its abstract characteristics and talents can’t be captured on film. The frame would be filled with cheerfulness, generosity, helpfulness, easygoingness, and a host of talents.

      In addition to appreciating this plant for the charm of its berries and flowers, I was impressed to learn that every part of the plant is useful to humans and has been used by numerous Native American tribes. The berries are made into jellies and jams, and the roots and leaves into tea. Individual parts and combinations of the bush have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including dysentery, stomach aches, fever, malaria, rheumatism, and colic. The leaves are said to deter mosquitoes and the bark can relieve itchy skin. It’s also been used in dried floral arrangements and to make dyes.

      I further learned that besides offering so many healthful and helpful uses to humans, it is a good source of food for many birds, including robins, cardinals, finches, mockingbirds, thrashers, and towhees. Armadillos, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and gray foxes feast on the beautyberry too. Bees are very fond of the flowers which they find easily. Overall, the beautyberry is highly valuable to others. I had no idea that the plain, humble image she first presented to me was hiding so many talents!

      Now I go out of my way to say hello to beautyberry. I appreciate her subtle beauty, but even more, I thank her for the lessons she taught me. Not to jump to conclusions based on a first impression. Not to judge a book by its cover. To remember that everyone has hidden talents, usually many. To remember that the expression of talents and beauty come at their own pace, in the right season, at their own time. To respect each unique form of life, its place in the world, and its value as a living being.