Couverture de It’s Only Natural (Essay)

It’s Only Natural (Essay)

It’s Only Natural (Essay)

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 It’s Only Natural Strong roots find ways to grow. “Alfredo,” I call over the new gardener, “this here. Is it a weed?” Alfredo pokes at the thin, lush branch sprouting up from the dirt. “No.” He shakes his head and smiles. “It’s a tree.” “A tree? But we never had a tree here. It’s too close to the fence.” “Maybe your neighbor had a tree.” A memory-wracking pause. “Oh right, he did. But he took it out a while ago.” “Well, this is a root, and it’s growing again.” “The root is growing a tree? In the middle of the root?” “Yup.” “Even though the tree was taken out?” “Yup.” “What happens if we leave it? “It’ll grow a new tree.” Huh. The backyard exchange with Alfredo wasn’t just a lesson in gardening, but an unearthing of a truth about the fundamental makeup of Creation, colloquially referred to as “nature”. Nature is the system we credit for the day-to-day running of the world, including the celestial bodies of space. To say, nature is an all-encompassing term for the factory setting of the universe, the innate coding entwined throughout, the very essence that makes each entity what it is. Although nature can be tamed or trained, trammeled or trampled to behave in ways incongruous to its default state, a lack of constant force or compulsory system override results in reverting back to factory settings. “Nature” or “natural” are the ultimate descriptors, the words used when logic runs out of explanations, when discovery reaches the end. The nature of a root compels it to burrow deep and intermingle with the soil to anchor that which grows upward. Knobby or gnarled, thick or thin, a root left to its own devices will continually reach outward. Roots shore up the base of a plant, though their oft seen, their efforts only evident in what grows above. Though roots are generally regarded in their role of literally grounding a plant, roots are just as much a part of the plant as the side that grows in shapes and colors very different from its base. The growing tip of the plant is just the other side of the root, unsurprising as it mirrors its nature to always reach outward. Though far less pleasing to the eye, and certainly never glorified in tabletop vases, without roots, stems and leaves and fruits and buds are just a wither away from mulch. However, without the stem and leaves and fruits and buds, the root is just an anchor without purpose. Roots are first to form and last to leave, a clue of nature as to why they’re even there. As if something essential to growth is connected to the health and strength of the roots. As if the very nature of roots is to ensure the plant grows. Roots are more than just a base, as they’re map of the plant as well. Where did this flower come from? Trace its roots. Why isn’t this plant budding? Check its roots. Will the leaves grow back? Depends on its roots. This truth is most evident when it comes to weeds, which contain roots too quick and eager to promulgate to know they shouldn’t anymore. And really, what’s a weed, but a fast-growing, dominating plant we’ve decided not to keep? Characteristic to a weed is its resiliency in the face of our attempts to uproot it. Weeds return again and again, unless wholly ripped out with their roots. Even then, the soil must be partially overturned to ensure the job’s thoroughly done, or they’ll be back and expanding just as quickly as before. Weeds can do little else, as such behavior was written into their very coding from the start of Creation. Why so much emphasis on growth? Growth is the greatest indicator of life, the defining line between existing and being alive. Unhealthy growth is fragile, twisted, wilted, and will not endure. Healthy growth is vivid, bold, and vivacious, a constant expansion and reaching to be more. What sprouts above soil is more fragrant, flavorful, colorful than the roots it stems from. Yet, not a single leaf, stem, branch, blossom can survive without the plain roots that start it all and support the plant beneath. Cut a branch, leaf, or flower and see how long it lasts away from its roots. Cut away a branch, leaf, flower and see how long before another grows in its place. “Alfredo, why aren’t these trees bearing more fruit this year?” The gardener looks from the leafy lemon tree to the overgrown peach tree, both vibrant and healthy, but scant on offerings. “They need to be watered better.” “They are watered, see all their leaves are green.” “They need to be watered deep, a few times a week.” It’s not enough for roots to burrow, to stimulate the power of growth in the ground, to thrive where soil is rich and nourishing, but to continue to do so even after a tree is grown. It’s not enough to pick and trim, to focus on what’s above, to be satisfied with how things appear, for what’s beneath still requires care. At their best, roots present the possibility of something sweet and beautiful for others. ...
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