Let’s talk propagation. I love that word. It applies to plants, animals, ideas and light! It even feels good when you say. Propagation.
For the first time I’m thinking of propagating a couple of shrubs, so I’m learning about how it’s done. And I’m feeling this all relates to life, the stages we go through and how we grow (or don’t) over time.
Softwood cuttings are done in the warmer months, with fresh new growth, when the stems are soft and pliable. These little guys require more care and nurturing because they’re young, tender, vulnerable. They’re susceptible to heat, cold, drought, overwatering, insects, disease, you name it. But if cared for properly softwood cuttings can result in rapid, vigorous root growth and strong little plants fully capable of thriving in the great big world.
Hardwood cuttings are done in the cold months on older growth. They’re dormant when cut, frozen in time. These guys have been around the block. They’ve developed a tough outer layer. They’re hardy, established, and resting until the warmth of spring. It may take longer for hardwood cuttings to establish. They may not be so willing. Some need to be wounded – as in, whacking the end of the cutting a few times with a mallet – to force callus creation which leads to root development. But when they do get their roots going, they can establish quickly as sturdy new plants that have the benefit of more time and experience than softwood.
Don’t we all have softwood times and hardwood times?
Times when we’re receptive and eager to expand, yet also tender and needing extra care and feeding. Yes, I’ve been there.
Times when we’ve become a bit dormant. But the Universe, in its wisdom, chooses to force our growth… perhaps even by whacking us with a mallet a few times? Oh yes, been there too.
The beauty of it is that both can be profoundly effective. We, like a lovely oak leaf hydrangea, can propagate through both methods. And I believe we’re often propagating simultaneously in both ways.
So, how are you experiencing propagation right now? Your mind, your physical body, your energy body, your Soul? How would you like to propagate? How are you feeling drawn to grow?
If you like this and what you see on my site, let’s do a 30 minute Exploratory Session! I would love to talk with you, and support you in deepening your connection to your natural wisdom.