The Potted Plant

Someone said,

‘’It is not the size of your tree, but the love surrounding it’’

One morning I woke up and found a X’mas tree in a pot in my garden. It was brought home by Adi from his office.

 I was happy to find a newcomer to my garden. But the tree was in a pathetic condition. Almost 3 to 4 feet in height, the plant looked healthy. But its crown had turned brown and the foliage dry.  The soil in the pot was dry too.  The plant was probably abandoned when his office shifted to Bangalore. I mentally appreciated him for this random act of kindness.

I never had a Christmas tree before in my garden.  Whenever I needed one I got home a small plastic tree from the store. The plastic tree never gave the real satisfaction of Christmas vibes. I was too excited to have real x’ mas tree in my garden.

I got busy with my routine work and almost forgot about the tree for the next two days. The potted tree waiting patiently near the gate got my attention soon .It was silently crying out for personal care and attention.  

I immediately shifted the plant from the garden to a corner near the door where I can see it always. I decided to save the tree and make it green again.

I gently stroked the small withered branches and spoke to them. ‘’Don’t worry. I love you. You will be fine’’

I never had the experience of tending to a Christmas Tree before. I was worried if I pruned the dry branches I may hurt the plant.  I decided to do a bit of research on google and You Tube.

I must confess You Tube is a real lifesaver and my favorite app. They give  you exactly you need . There were a few videos about how to prune a Christmas Tree. Also, I learned about how to water the plant.

Meanwhile, I caressed the tree and made it feel safe by talking to it. The dry branches were draining its energy and stopping the upward growth. I decided to give it a prune.

I got my kitchen scissors and pruned the dry leaves a few of them at a time. This took me a few days. I didn’t chop them off all at once. Yeah, one at a time: D. Frankly speaking I was surprised to see my own feelings towards the plant. It was giving me the needed strength and patience too. Now all the dry leaves were pruned and the tree looked a little flat from the top instead of its conical shape.

I allowed a fresh branch from the middle to show up and come to the top while the others were healing.

The tree started soaking in sunlight and water and kind words. I checked closely for green shoots wearing my specs.  Soon the tree started showing green shoots. There was excitement and relief. The pale green leaves were showing up fast. They gorged in the morning sunlight and watched rain during the day from its safe corner. I can also see maid two shallots in the pot without my permission. But the onion greens seem to give company to Christmas Tree. The tree is growing and steady.  I am a happy gardener! Families grow around a Christmas tree. Plant one today. 🙂 

Have a great day friends 🙂 Happy Gardening!

PS :

Here is a video on how to prune a Christmas Tree