Plant Dad Diaries: Entry #2


 Spring 

This is where the cycle starts, feel free to cycle back here again. A new bud and a sigh of relief, as I see that germination is happening, after the dormant quite of the winter. This time of the year reminds me of the newness of life, there are many small things that can surprise one, if you look in the right place. As I observe the plants around me, the ones in my care and those that are not, I'm stirred to believe in life's second chances, and to hold out for the vibrancy of life. I guess the word I am looking for is hope, eventually something positive sprouts and blossoms. It may take a bit of patience and perseverance, just like that seedling I was waiting for, all it takes is for the conditions to change. Just an increase in temperature and a bit of water, and it's as though the sprout was there all along. Whatever it is that you may have planted in faith, is slowly growing under the dirt you piled over it, you may not see the bud now, just give it some time. 


Summer 

Sunny days galore, I feel energised. Who said photosynthesis is exclusive to plants? When the centre of our solar system is out, so am I. There's a lot of heat transfer going on during this part of the year, it's paramount to take in nature's most abundant coolant, water. We're on average made up of about 60% water and plants are about 80% water. My mother once advised that whenever I get thirsty, I should think about the plants under my care too. It's in this season that I have to monitor my hydration and that of my plants, and make sure that I am getting enough water as well as my plants. Caring for oneself is just as important as caring for one's plants. One has to be responsible about their well being, else one might get dried out and shrivel from the heat. Listen in to the signs of thirst coming from both you and your plants. It maybe some droopiness or an unflattering change in colour. Internally perhaps it could be dry lips, a headache or a parched mouth. Take care of yourself and your little ones.


Autumn 

The colours are warm outside, au contraire ,things are starting to cool down. Summer was fun whilst it lasted. Now I get to enjoy my collection of sweaters. Everything is cooling down, so there's not much use in trying to reminisce on the past season's warmth. Change is a part of life and that's how seasons work, it's necessary to be open minded and to adapt. Things will not always look the same, just make sure that at this point you have adjusted the amount of water your plants are receiving. Don't be mechanical in taking care of your plants and yourself. Even machines have fluctuations in their efficiency as time takes its toll. I am not the person was five years ago, I may not even be the same person I was last week. What worked in the past may not always work again in the present, which is something utterly normal. You may have to change in the chocolate ice-cream for hot cocoa to keep warm this time around. The flowers on your plants maybe gone, but the petals are not the only thing of beauty on your plant. 


Winter 

The nights are long and the days are not. It's quite gloomy without the sun and it's heat. At this point, don't forget to bring your plants inside so that frost doesn't get them. I overwatered a jade plant once and it rotted away at the roots. Being a plant parent inevitably also means living with the mishaps that happen too. The reality of death is not one I could ever get used to. In a season like this all the leaves are gone from the trees. It seems like there is no pulse in nature everything looks devoid of life. I stop myself and I am reminded that this is a part of the cycle. The lack of activity  isn't always a sign of death. This is the part of the cycle where we rest. Just as creatures go into hibernation, so does the farmer let the land rest. For those in Christ the moment of death is that transition into the Lord's presence and rest. The seasons of gloom have a purpose. Energy is not always meant to be spent, there is a time for stillness. 

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 (AMP) 

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven--

2A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

3A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

5A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

6A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7A time to [a]tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to keep silent and a time to speak.

8A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2024 at 8:52 AM

    Who said photosynthesis is exclusive to plants indeed

    ReplyDelete

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