Image: Unsplash/Erwan Hesry
NATIONAL LOVE A TREE DAY is MAY 16th
I never had a favorite tree. However, I have tried to grow trees from seed. My first attempt was at growing an orange tree from one of the seeds in the orange I was eating. Remember when there used to be seeds in oranges? I think it’s ironic the way we want to control everything having to do with reproduction. Seeds in oranges are definitely an inconvenience. But I digress. My orange tree actually grew quite tall (about 10 cm) and then I moved and gave it up to the elements.
My second attempt at growing a tree was to take a maple seed key from Southwestern Ontario to Edmonton, Alberta to see if I could grow a tall tree there. Unfortunately, when I put the tiny 4 cm high seedling out in the yard to get more sun, I watch a bird sit on the side of the pot and pull out the plant by the roots.
I have to laugh at myself for thinking that I am the one growing trees when really I only planted seeds and kept them moist. It really is God who gives the increase. It’s all part of the plan in which we can actively participate.
-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ
Header image: Unsplash/Simon Wilkes