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One Step Beyond
“Precious babies, that’s what they call us!”
This is what nursery plants would say if they could describe their care at Heronswood, or any other greenhouse for that matter. We pamper them at birth and slowly teach them the ways of their environment. One must remember: they have no mother.
Orphans, let us call them. Once, twenty years ago, I heard a talk by an old orphanage specialist—a historian who chose the institution as one of his fields of research. He said that most important was that young children be dry; second was that they be warm as needed, which is most of the time in the old days, and especially at night, their most vulnerable period. After a warm breakfast, they’re ready to teach. I was astounded by the simplicity of these rules. Even his old, gentle manner was firm and comforting. I might have enjoyed being an orphan.
Consider also the birds. I have a friend who raises all sorts of poultry and especially pigeons. She told me an amazing thing: pigeons go from birth to flight in one month. Ever see a new born pigeon? Most consider them ugly, but they are among the most beautiful things I have seen. However, the point is that they grow from this freakishly tiny, delicate infant to a full-grown, soaring beast in 30 days.
Reminds me of seedlings and cuttings—does it not also do so for you? After only 6 weeks most of our seed-grown perennials and annuals are “straining at the pot”, so to speak. Cuttings are more elegant. Being clones, they simply pick up metabolically where their mature donor left off—like in a science-fiction movie, only slower and less dramatically.
Recall, once more, the motherless child image for the young plant. Even a pigeon has a mom. We here at Heronswood, Burpee and The Cook’s Garden are moms. We gently feed them, delicately clothe them, keep them moist (as opposed to animals and humans), and slowly bring their temperatures up to “fledgling” levels, depending on the bird, er, I mean species.
By the time they get to you, they’re ready to fly into your garden. Two final points: first, many flowers look curiously bird-like. Many more look insect-like. The unifying relationship both have is with the wind. Air and water—the two greatest substances on the earth.
The last thing is that our founder—the original Mr. Burpee, whose genius enabled us to purchase Heronswood in 2000—was a precocious and prodigious pigeon breeder. Odd coincidence? “One Step Beyond”.
Fun Blog. Thanks for sharing!
I very much enjoyed the story that you sent. It was such an eyeopening story. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it!!
This is perfect reading and pondering for a snowy night in front of the corn stove. Thanks!
Good writeup…thanks to you and Mr. Burpee.
Always glad to hear your voice!
I want to thank you for the caring email about our world of plants and animals(birds) My goal after 70 years of life is to teach my grandchildren that to have a healthy life we must bring back the garden that God intended. It was a life giving “Healing Garden” I spent most of my life as a wife, mom and nurse. Growing up with the skill of a gardening grandmother was lost by her not realizing she had valuable information to teach her grandchildren and great grandchildren before she died at the age of 87. I have not been a good gardener but My goal is honable. I have a few healing trees for teas, fruit trees, Hope my blueberry and raspberry grow this spring. Marigolds are Gold I found out as well as other flowers and weeds dandilion. I am looking for Clove tree(bush) Recommend you help those who want a healing garden. Education is the key. I am hoping for a gardening site for those who want a healing garden. I see on the side of my email you have information. I will look at it later. Thanks for reading and have a bright sunshine day where ever you are. Marie Erickson in Florida which is chilly today 60 degrees. I swim when it is 68 so I am disappointed it is too cold.
Great story.
I feel like a fortunate seedling, being watered and nurtured with your wisdom and wit.
Thanks.
Denny
I always suspected that to be the case.
This is really just what I needed to read today, Jan 7, 2010, as it is that time to start my seeds for my retail business. It has been gray and gloomy herE in NW WA state, so I have been a slug.
Now, having read this, I am a butterfly taking account of my seed inventory and getting ready to order from Cook’s Garden, as well as other reputable seed companies…thanks for getting me in gear…TIME TO GET A MOVE ON…sincerely…those at
Aunt Violet’s FINE PLANTS of Walla Walla
oops, I meant NE WA state…whatever…
I mean SE WA state…please excuse…just say “DA”