My confidence in the hyacinth bulbs providing good blooms is raised by the presence of roots which have developed over the last week. It didn’t take long for the bulbs, pre-chilled for many weeks, to ‘know’ that now was the time to grow roots.
Without good roots, most plants will not survive long; they are just tumbleweeds, aimlessly going wherever the wind sends them.
People are like that, too. We all need good roots, the roots of a strong value system, the support of family and friends, a sense of belonging someplace. With good roots, we have the confidence to branch out and try new things, to experiment, to at least try. Without them, we are often aimless and disconnected, like tumbleweeds.
Plants with strong roots stay anchored, yet the roots give them the strength to grow and branch out, to withstand the winds and rains that might come their way.
We, too, have a chance to grow and extend ourselves beyond what we think we can do, to try new things and go new place, to withstand challenges and setbacks, if we have strong roots to support us.
Once rooted, we should extend ourselves byond our garden gates to see what else we can do, to find out how far we can go.
We just might be surprised.
Ahhh The philosopher is with us today. This is quite right too. It is best if you and your plants have good roots. You have so much to look forward to when you have good strong roots.
Your right Carol. And the the more extensive our root systems are, the father out we can grow. Quite the thinker. 🙂
One more example of how gardening is a metaphor for life in general…and can teach us a lot!
Gardening and life lessons go hand in hand. I love all of your photos. Hyacinths are one of my favorite flowers. I love the fragrance when they bloom in the spring. I really must get more bulbs and plant them in the fall.
Great words, Carol. Pouring over all those catalogs has brought out the philisopher in you.
I love all your different hyacinth glasses. The green one is especially lovely.
So, are you thinking of quitting your day job and opening a garden center or something? Stretching out those roots? Seeing how far you can go?
Just curious…….
Very thought provoking post, Carol. I agree with you one hundred per cent on our need for good roots in our society. I’m afraid that the “roots of a strong value system ” don’t run as deep as they once did. More than ever we are seeing role models for our youth using drugs, alcohol and greed to attain fame and fortune. And the sad thing is that its so commonplace no one is shocked anymore.
Perhaps they did not have the strong roots to give them the strength to withstand the winds and rains that came their way as you so poignantly stated.
Thanks for making me think how lucky I am. I once was a tumbleweed. Fortunately I was grafted onto a sturdy root stock.
Carol,
This is a great message for life and gardening. Thank you.
But it brought to mind something I’ve been laughing about for a while… Back in July, 97 degrees, I planted four 5-inch pots of Zinnias, firmly in the ground. They grew from under a foot in height to at least three feet and were beautiful for a while. I watered them as often as I could during the drought.
October freeze – turned brown. When it was time to dig them up, I didn’t need a shovel. They were just laying there. The plants grew but the roots didn’t. So I reached down and picked them up and tossed them into a bag. Isn’t that strange. There is no moral to this story. Just something I remember :o/
It has been too long since I wended my way over here to visit, and I came just in time to read your wonderful philosophical meandering. I so agree with you about the roots, and about how many of life’s lessons are encapsulated in the garden and our interactions with it.
This post reminds me of the phrase “putting down roots.” After having lived in 5 places over 7 years, when I finally bought Squirrelhaven, I told everyone that I wanted to put down roots, literally and metaphorically. After almost 15 years here, I think I’ve succeeded. Wonderful, thought-provoking post, Carol.
You are so right! Can’t wait to see your blooms and just remembered that tomorrow is ‘Bloom Day’. I’ll be late as usual! LOL
I am glad you are brave enough to reveal all of the different sides of yourself, not just the humorous side, not just the organized side, but the thoughtful side, too.
Hi Carol,
I am just beginning to make my blog rounds after the busy holidays spent with family.
I enjoyed this post…especially after having just returned from a visit with my 85 year old Dad who still lives on his farm in N. Dak. He is a living example of someone who continues to learn and grow. He switched from conventional to organic farming when he was in his 70’s! I am proud of his diligence and persistence…. a big part of my own ‘roots’!