The Two Plain Trees.

Summary

The narrative recounts the personal and nurturing relationship between the author and two Plain Trees over the years, emphasizing the trees' resilience and the memories they've shared.

Abstract

The author, Pete JJ, shares a heartfelt story about the connection he has formed with two Plain Trees, which he has cared for since they were saplings. These trees, standing in his courtyard, have grown tall and strong, surviving harsh conditions including droughts. They have become a sanctuary for his cat, MissPuddyCous, and her kittens, providing shade and comfort. The trees have a special place in his heart, reminding him of his past, including his studies in horticulture and the local garden center where he first found them. Despite the challenges, the trees continue to thrive, symbolizing endurance and the passage of time.

Opinions

The author has a deep emotional attachment to the two Plain Trees, viewing them as more than just plants but as living entities with personalities and the ability to provide comfort and shade.
There is a sense of nostalgia and fondness for the local garden center, which is contrasted with the modern conglomerates that have since taken over many similar businesses.
The author values the personal history and connections that the trees represent, including his education and the people he has known throughout his life.
The trees are seen as survivors and are admired for their resilience, especially during the driest year they've experienced.
The author appreciates the beauty and changes the trees undergo through the seasons, viewing their growth and transformation as a reflection of life's journey.
There is a clear appreciation for the simple, yet profound, joys of nature and its ability to create a sense of place and belonging.

She will remember their kindness over the years, for her children will laugh and play until the sun goes down.

‘The Plain Trees’ -pic-Pete

I finish work at two-fifteen in the afternoon. As I open the gate to our courtyard, I can see a small patch of sunshine still dabbling in the corner of the yard.

I feed MissPuddyCous, and we sit, with the last of this afternoon sun, until silhouettes of buildings block our memories. It’s the last week of Autumn, and the two Plain Trees I’ve nurtured from saplings are still alive and tall. Too tall, according to my partner. He wants me to cut them short. They swayed and crashed many a time this Springs past. Survivors those two are, for they have such memories of their time so far.

‘Overgrown-Just how I like it’-our courtyard-pic-Pete

Their journey begins in McGraths Hill of New South Wales, at my favorite local Garden Centre. Before the days of massive cooperations, Conglomerates, such as Bunnings Warehouse. Overtaking so many garden centers. I know the owner and his family. I went to primary school with one of his daughters. I did work experience at sixteen, helping put in the recycled brick paving that guests walked over. Many years later, I studied Certificate IV in Horticulture at North Richmond TAFE. I did an assignment at my favorite local Garden Centre, and I received a great result. (💯).

‘Customer Service-I vaguely remember what this was-pic-Pete

I see them there among the other deciduous saplings. The two Plain Trees. Not quite as tall as me, trunks straight and fresh. They both catch my eye. I was only going to buy one, not two, and both called me to share our journey back then. I pick up one and the other from their hiding place in the wooded forest section. The two Plain Trees are of equal measure, and this was true.

I can see them growing old together, talking, whispering, and laughing side by side as the seasons change. As the years move forward, always forward, never looking back. The two Plain Trees grow taller and healthier. Best friends.

‘One of the Plain Trees’-pic-Pete

The pots look too big, way too big for the two Plain Trees. The mondo-grass is now spreading around the base of these two friends. MissPuddyCous is young and seeks a place to rest from the harsh sun that beats into the reflective paving. They welcome her young body as she nestles into them, creating her spot shaded, safe in their care.

‘MissPuddyCous and one of her 7️⃣ children’-pic-Pete

She will remember their kindness over the years, for her children will laugh and play until the sun goes down at the base of their ever-growing trunks. And what memories they will all share. It is the driest year they have had to bear. Watered by hand every day, the signs of stress are shown in their crisp browning leaves. They know this year is survival, and then we will see. The drought could break, and they could shoot forth the new and stronger branches they wanted to do. But not this year! This year is about conserving the life they have.

The last few leaves are holding on: shades of yellow, turning red and brown. The drought has gone. Years have passed. The Plain Trees are powerful and wise. Miss PuddyCous and her children love the stories she tells at the base of Plain trees.

They listen and remember the stories she tells of days gone by, the two Plain Trees.

Pete JJ.