I’ve been planting a lot of new perennials in my yard this year, a significant part of this is in response to the uncertainty I’m feeling in a new world with heavy tariffs and a significant number of agricultural workers being unethically detained.
When I told my dad (who knows a ridiculous amount about plants (complementary! )) that I had planted some new plants, he told me to heavily water them to establish the roots. It’s important that the roots of the plants have all the water they could want to get comfortable in their new place in my yard.
I’ve been very focused on those roots. Watering often, and getting others in my family to water when I can’t.
I’ve been very focused on laying these foundations for our future.
However, yesterday, when I was pulling out of the driveway to go to work, I noticed that the branches of a crabtree I had just planted were blooming with pink flowers. I looked around and there were dozens of white blooms on my pear tree, a handful of hot pink buds on my blueberries, light pink buds on my almond tree, and bright green leaves sprouting on every branch I’ve placed in this earth.
I’ve been so focused on establishing those roots, that I forgot to appreciate the buds, flowers, and fruits.
I still want to put all the effort into helping the roots get established, but I also need to take a few moments to appreciate the fruits of those roots.
~Aline Harris
