Next to the local Whole Foods parking lot, there is a row of coleus plants on the flower bed. Each summer, their dark purple leaves turn bright pink at the top of the plant, collectively shaping like a gorgeous flower. My friend liked them so much and she “stole” some seeds from the plants around the time they withered. Last spring, she planted the seeds in pots and grew them in her backyard.

On a sunny summer day my friend came over with a small plant pot. She looked around the back yard, picked a spot near the patio, and put the pot right there. “Just plant it here,” she said, almost like an order. And I followed.

Will the seeds spread themselves? I’m waiting to see.