Trees and Kids
My Mexican Plum is full of blooms, for the first time ever. We had a few single blooms last year. But this year is the real deal. There are flowers everywhere, from bottom to top. I’d like to think it’s happening because I took out one of the Turks Caps to give the tree more breathing room, but it’s more likely the tree has finally matured into it fruit bearing years.
I hope we actually get fruit. I know the bees are busy. I can see them flitting around, but I have no experience with what it takes to get a plum. I know I plan on giving it plenty of water. I elevated the rainwater tank beside the little tree just so it would be easier to give it a drink now and again. My arborist son suggests I also put out some organic matter around the drip line to help the tree strengthen its root system. Sounds like another good plan.
It’s a gratifying experience watching a tree grow into maturity. Heck, it’s a gratifying experience watching anything grown into maturity. My three children, for instance, are in their responsible adulthood, my grandchildren are growing up, my house and yard are no longer new. With any luck, all of them, trees, kids and yard, have many more years to go, shade to provide, lives to live, joys and pleasures to feel. And as I sit here in my maturity, it’s nice to know I helped them get a start and I still have a bit of time for their shade and their love.