The Little Desert Pea

September 1, 2013

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There is much to learn in nature. Possibly the only thing Nature can’t teach us is how to get on with other humans… or how to repair a motorcycle. Still, there is much to learn. What doesn’t kill us makes us strong, it is said. And what does it take to be strong? Resiliance, perseverance, growth, being true to ourselves while still being flexible, honouring our own innate and individual beauty… I’m sure you can name more…

The little Desert Pea that 'could' — The little Desert Pea that ‘could’

So here is the story, of the Desert Pea who grew voluntarily, and with no water to encourage it. It shone its beauty and was admired. Greatly.

And then the giants came. For days they were jack hammering, digging, and shaking the earth until it seemed everything would fall apart. But the little Desert Pea was saved. The nice workmen honoured it and protected it, as if it was their own.

The giants did their job, and leaving behind their prints on the ground, they went away.

Spring was approaching and it was time to mulch the garden. The men delivering the mulch didn’t know about the little Desert Pea….and it was buried alive!

Soon it was uncovered, bit by bit, leaf by leaf. It was broken and battered from life, and near death experience, but it was alive.

And on this first day of Spring, it is reborn, much admired…and very well mulched.

9 responses to “The Little Desert Pea”

thehumansarah

Sep 1, 2013 at 3:40 am

very very interesting story. ive never seen this flower/plant before. its super neat

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1. ardysez
  
  Sep 1, 2013 at 6:20 am
  
  They are a native plant to the arid areas in Australia.
  
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EllaDee

Sep 1, 2013 at 9:16 pm

The little Sturt Desert Pea has been on my mind, and I shared the previous post about it to the G.O., so we’re both happy with this outcome 🙂 I love the way you have written its story, with feeling and humour… but of course. It makes me think of those wise words from Mother Teresa “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies” 🙂

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1. ardysez
  
  Sep 1, 2013 at 11:38 pm
  
  I love that quote from Mother Teresa, thank you for sharing it… and thanks for your comments and your concern over the Desert Pea! I knew there were a few people wondering over the outcome of it and I was hoping for a way to write it that wasn’t a boring update, and the whole idea just kind of unfolded in front of me. Love it when that happens.
  
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Joanna

Sep 2, 2013 at 7:25 am

I was hoping it survived too, does it set seed eventually like a regular pea? Can you save some and sow it elsewhere or does it go undergrond and come back. Plants are just amazing 🙂

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1. ardysez
  
  Sep 2, 2013 at 7:34 am
  
  They do produce a seed pod like regular peas but they are very finicky about where they will grow and under what conditions. They tend to grow in a dry place but after it has rained at a certain time of the year. I may try salvaging a seed pod and see what I can do with it. I have seen instructions that tell you to pour boiling water on the soil where the seeds are planted, something about the heat and moisture that activates them. Yes, plants are amazing.
  
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peakperspective

Sep 3, 2013 at 3:03 am

In my next life I’d like to come back as a Sturt Desert Pea. Maybe just before that, I’d campaign for a name change. But I suppose a rose by any other name, right?
xx

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1. ardysez
  
  Sep 3, 2013 at 8:10 am
  
  I think ‘Desert Flame’ would make a nice name…
  
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  1. peakperspective
    
    Sep 3, 2013 at 1:03 pm
    
    Oooh! That’s perfect. I’m all set for the rebirth now. 😉
    
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