I had been thinking about writing about soil and the importance of firm foundations in all areas of our lives. But what kept crowding to the forefront of my mind were different examples of new growth, plant-based or people-based. It’s spring!

To be honest, things are still looking pretty brown and tan right now, at least in my area. The nights have still been fairly cold, which has stalled the potential for an early spring, and nothing really seems to be leaping out of the ground. But just because things aren’t fully green and leafy just yet doesn’t mean that it never will. Hope isn’t lost. Growth and new life are building and are poised to make an appearance.

You have to look closely, but growth is out there. Seeds are being planted. Buds are swelling and expanding. Trees are flowering in their subtle ways (not the showy, colourful ones, but the other ones). The grass is starting to green up. Bulbs and perennials are emerging and are starting to show some life, in the form of new shoots and growth.

Life has seasons

In our lives, we often go through metaphorical falls, winters, and delayed springs. There are times when our leaves droop and die off, and things can look pretty grim and grey. Sometimes we go through slow times, or low times, or times when we don’t have a lot of growth. On the surface, it can look bleak and lacking in life.

But much like with plants, those times are necessary. Most plants need a period of rest. They need slow times or times when they build up energy reserves. There will be times when they grow vigorously, putting out lots of visible biomass and produce a crop. But at the same time, they are putting some away for later. They are channeling resources and nutrients into their crowns, bulbs, and roots. Before winter, they toughen up their tissues and fortify against the temporary tough times. They alter their physiology to handle harsh conditions. Some plants need a period of cold to help them to turn the corner on productive growth in the next season. It all has a purpose.

New growth

I love the symbolism of new shoots and seedlings. As shoots start to emerge, I hope that you’ll take a minute to appreciate what they represent. See the green amongst the former growth. A new shoot growing out of a pile of dead leaves is a plant that is fueled by experience, with deep roots and a pile of energy and resources to carry it forward.

Just as new shoots and seedlings represent new potential, new ideas represent the beginning of new directions and new opportunities. They are the start of something. You might have a sense of what it might become, but really all you see is a glimpse of green. When you nurture a new idea, you are recognizing and respecting what came before to get it to that point, and you help to bring all of that potential to bear.