The little rose bush that could

“I’ve never done this before, so I’m gonna need your help!” 

Eight, second graders huddle around me, ready to go. Why did I feel like I was in the Goonies? Something about children taking a huddle stance was all too familiar.

“We’ll help you, Ms. Greene!” 

“Everyone, be quiet! She needs to focus!” 

“I think you gotta tip it on its side!!” 

All the fuss about who could hold the red shovel had subsided. Suddenly, we were a team and we had one mission: to plant a rose bush.

We were about to transfer said rose bush from its pot into our freshly-made beds. I cradled the plant around its base and entrusted one of the kids to gently pull on its plastic home. Frantic whispers matched with jagged breaths consumed the air. I’ve never seen a group of 7-year olds so focused. 

Time slowed down with every tug, shake, and pull until…

“YESSSSS!!!!” The crowd went wild because we did it. The rose bush successfully let go of the container and we placed it in its new home. Their little hands rushed to surround the base with dirt while we tucked it in. 

“Give it some love,” I said. Without a doubt, they responded with endless “I love you’s.” 

I remember feeling how natural it was for the plant to let go of what no longer fit. Letting go was slow and carefully done, but when it happened, it was peaceful. Call me silly, but I can't help but think it was our encouragements that facilitated such a smooth process. The plant didn't have to go through the change alone. And who likes dealing with change alone?

No one can travel our paths for us. Yet, community + care make all the difference.

It's natural for a child to care for the Earth.

Optics don't matter. It's just about worms and dirt.

What I’ve realized is that children are excited to love the planet. They simply need willing adults to re-imagine and challenge the systems that, let's face it, don't work.

Oftentimes, it seems the narrative is that the youth will save our planet, our politics, etc. However, to leave them with such a responsibility while there are still many capable adults roaming the planet, is a disservice to our humanity. After all, how can adults burden youth with this challenge if we do not exercise our own positionality and power? It's not just up to students or youth, it's up to us all.  We have the ability to challenge old ways of thinking and create new possibilities. 

But I digress...back to rose bushes.

After the rose bush, the possibilities expanded while the race against the first frost date commenced!

Every grade and group would be responsible for a different aspect of the garden. Each time we went outside, it would become a game to see what the other teams had done and how the following team would continue the work. Furthermore, as they continued to problem solve and reflect on the connection to nature, I became more and more reassured that this was heading in a bright direction. 

Remember that children are also attached to what’s theirs. You can only imagine the time spent on deciding who got to shovel first or what color gloves each person got to wear. We practiced the art of letting go of what belongs to the individual and leaning into what we can offer the collective. 

After all, the Earth belongs to us all, so it’s our duty to take care of it regardless of what we personally gain. And who knows how it’ll return the favor to us? 

Speaking of that…I haven’t told you about the fairy story yet. We’ll save that for the next read. 

In short, plants are resilient. Just like us. There is power in our ability to ask for help and share new experiences. This bridges the gap across ages and differences.

And so fellow traveler, I ask you…

How can you ask for help this week?

Where do you find your connection to nature?