A fallen trellis and a passionfruit vine (right hand side) standing up by itself. How?
I went for a wander, after taking the washing off the line today.
I noticed the unsupported side of my newly potted yellow passionfruit vine (originally supported by a makeshift trellis) ‘standing to attention’.
And that got my attention, straight away!
Vining plants don’t generally do this unless secured to a support of some kind.
Yes I had provided support by securing one side to the tree trunk. I later noticed (ok, more than a week ago) that the wind had sent my makeshift trellis for it’s right hand side vine…flying. I left the trellis exactly where it fell.
I had too many more urgent tasks to do on that windy day, so I left it to ‘fend’ until I got back to it.
I made a mental note at the time…’might move it to a less windy spot.’
I never got back to it. My bad.
Fast forward to today and it’s right hand branch had the little top tendril ‘grabber’ standing perfectly and securely upright–with nothing to support it.
I did a ‘double-take.’ Passionfruit vines tend to ‘hang’ and ‘lean,’ rather than stand when unsupported.
I started second-guessing myself and inspecting–’did I use fishing line to tie it to the tree branch above?’ ‘Was I more organised than I can remember?’ No. I definitely had left it to ‘fend’!
It was then I caught the glimmer of a strong ‘guy-rope’ like ‘spider rope’ (not a web) that had been started from the top third of the right hand side passionfruit branch, to the overhanging tree branch. This spider ‘rope’ had tightly secured and supported the passionfruit branch to the tree branch, almost a metre above it.
The fading light when I noticed this meant I’ll need stronger morning light tomorrow, to reveal the ‘spider rope’ properly in photo form.
But just so you know the disorganised truth, that helpful spider proved effort from myself and plant, were not really needed. It stepped in with a ‘spider highway’, motivated by whatever it needs!
Maybe garden insects and plants communicate more than we admit. Maybe the passionfruit said ‘Well she’s not coming back to help me grab on to this tree–can you help me.’ Co-operation in action–premeditated or accidental?
Nature proved to me I should leave that passionfruit exactly in that spot. Why mess with the eco-system?
The spider and tree frogs who live in the tree, will control any pests that passionfruit might have in future.
The vine will provide habitat for many creatures and shade the soil, buffering it against very hot and windy days.
And I will be eating passionfruit in my yoghurt, sooner rather than later.
So step back and let Nature ‘co-operate away.’
I always try to work with Mother Nature, though I must admit, this synchronicity without effort was surprising.
But then we probably have less jobs to do in the garden, than we think…
If we just… trust Nature. 🌸
© Trish McGill 2018.
VintageTrish 