Beneath the Pines

  I love to tromp around in the woods.  To me, exploring even my own property is exciting as I never know what I might find.  On a recent hike through the underbrush and to a clearing under some small pine trees, I stumbled upon the unexpected find of a small camellia bush. Obviously, a seed had been dropped a couple of years ago by some critter.  It had settled down beneath the pine straw, sprouted and pushed its way back up to reach for the sky.  Although the little sapling was not more than an inch in diameter at its largest point, it was a good four feet tall and had a lovely bloom on it.  

  I thought about how that little sapling was brave to take root in the midst of all those pines.  The pine trees will grow large and tall blocking out the sun.  They will expand in girth and take up most of the room in that little stretch of the woods.  The tiny camellia will have to have some gumption to survive and will have to work hard to gain its rightful place among the pines.  On the plus side, the camellia is protected from any harsh weather.  The branches of the pine trees form a canopy above the little shrub and keep out the frost and high winds.  The pine needles are a natural mulch that can help to fertilize the bush and hold moisture into the soil.  Perhaps this could be a happy arrangement for the little camellia but I do think it will have a struggle ahead of it if it wishes to flourish.  It also makes me sad that no one would ever see the lovely blooms of the little camellia. Flowers are meant to be enjoyed not hidden.

  After finding the tiny shrub, I talked to Son about possibly transplanting it to the yard.  There we could care for it and enjoy its beauty for years to come.  Happily, he readily agreed and, weather permitting, we shall take a hike into the woods again tomorrow.  Then my lonely little friend will have a home and its blooms can be viewed by all who visit the Bayou.