The Fruit Tree
Maybe you grew up on a farm or around an orchard. I did not, but I love fruit and vegetables. So, recently, I researched fruit trees and what I needed to know and discovered I needed to know a lot to do it right. I drove to one of our local farms and to my surprise discovered they also hold outdoor teachings on gardening tips.
The helpful staff led me to the fruit tree section, we picked out two different pear trees, and I left excited to get them planted. With a little help from friends, we followed instructions and applied good soil and plant food with lots of water. That was three weeks ago and I already have blooms!
Planting fruit trees correctly requires lots of answers. For the top 10 questions with those answers click this link.
https://kb.jniplants.com/top-10-most-asked-questions-about-fruit-trees
I find it interesting that fruit trees need to be planted in pairs for pollination, they each must be a different type of the same fruit and planted a certain distance apart for growth. I see a metaphor here for friendships.
There is a Bible verse that says, to have friends one must show himself friendly (Proverbs 18:24). This makes sense, right? But to overdo it by trying to be like the other person or liked by the other person can have the opposite effect. Do you know someone who wants to be around all the time, making you feel like there is no distance between you? Please move so I can breathe!
Just like my pear trees, we each are unique and need to live authentic lives. Space between the trees allows the root systems of each to grow, yielding growth both below the ground and above. Good friends are honest, unique, and loving, all the while giving space for the other to grow and learn.
My year-old trees are getting to know each other while I get to watch them grow. As the year ends, and the weather gets cooler their growth will slow. As our year ends, let’s slow down too, taking in what is around us and being thankful for rest before we enter into another season of growth.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Dr. Michele
