I've grown lots of things over the years, but never a tree! Isn't this the greatest idea? So, the container itself is a mini-greenhouse, equipped with a peat pellet and five maple tree seeds. I'm glad they're maple tree seeds too, because maples always make me think of Luisa. In her essay, "Author Agonistes", included in the anthology, Silent Notes Taken, she writes, that her "first fall in the Hudson Highlands was spectacular. [Her] sixty-foot maples stood clothed in glory like a row of Chinese brides, dignified in their riotous hues." That line, that analogy, has made such a beautiful impression on my mind, for all these years since she wrote it. So, my tree from Luisa must be a maple.
The first step was to soak the peat pellet in the little greenhouse for 45 minutes. Then the 5 seeds were dropped inside and the lid was replaced. Next, it was to be tucked into the refrigerator to "trick" the seeds into thinking it is the long, dark, cold winter. For twenty days they will stay in the fridge. And then, I will bring them out and set them in front of a sunny window, and hopefully they will wake up with happy maple springtime thoughts, and germinate!
Oh, I hope! I secretly hope that four of them will germinate so I can grow a tree for each of my children. But even one would delight me to no end. I could really use something growing from a seed right now, especially something as majestic as a tree. Patience, Jenna, patience.
Stay tuned! And say a prayer for my little seeds!
7 comments:
Praying for your seeds! Growing things is so rewarding! IT makes one feel as if they have accomplished something. Raising kids takes so much longer . . .
I am thrilled that you loved the package! I will be praying for your seeds.
You're such a kind friend.
How cool!
Such a cool gift!
I remember those seeds from growing up. We used to peel the ends apart and stick them to our nose to look like Pinocchio. Good times.
That's exciting. I have such fond memories of Maple trees. We had one in our front yard growing up. It was HUGE. Every year I have memories of raking up hundreds of leaves and then jumping in them, picking up all of the "helicopter" seed packets and throwing them up in the air to see them come twirling down.
I hope the seeds work for you. They are such lovely trees.
Ahhhh, baby trees coming! What a cool idea!
Excellent gift idea. Thanks for sharing it!!
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