A seed can lie under the surface as it develops and grows without anyone knowing its exists, all the way until the very moment it is ready to appear and begin the photosynthesis reaction and the access to our rich air.
That first little bloom will appear very cute, soft, fluffy and endearing. Wisteria for example seems so delicate, grows at astonishing pace, to become a vine capable of strangling others, stronger than stone, stronger than metal! All newborns have that initial cuteness which brings nurturing instincts in others until they become independent and then there is no stopping them!
Trees are beautifully symbolic, reassuring, protective. They have long, extended roots, which are often forgotten. There are extraordinarily complex connections with other trees and also fungi, some of which are beneficial and help them network, while others use it for their own growth. Eventually the tree develops a thick skin, and numerous branches extend thanks to their nutrients, reaching out towards the sun with their fruits falling not far from the tree to become their own solid tree some day.
Plants each need a particular soil, exposure, nutrition, as they each find what environment suits them best. They move and choose their land as a seed flying to the wind, until they find the corresponding, most stimulating soil and bloom there.
Each plant is surrounded by numerous others and there are many times in which other plants even from a completely different species work in symbiosis and will support and even optimise their respective development. Surely there are others which will try and hinder it instead, or drain it from its nutrients, in which case, the strongest, or most supported, or most adapted to the environment will win.
Sometimes there will even be a subculture developing whether a plant wants it or not. Ants are excellent farmers, they herd and even “milk” aphids the precious nectar that they collect from the young shoots or buds, which unfortunately have thus difficulty blossoming given the draining energies surrounding them.
There are places that seemed arid, and once some more sturdy plants arrived, the area became cooler and more species flew in to join them and live there. In a few years it created a microclimate, a location buzzing with multiple different blooming plants, and very attractive flowers.
In effect, it is essential for flowers to be attractive to pollinators, otherwise they won’t reproduce. This explains the bright colours and appealing fragrances that are necessary for the species to go on. Some, in order to give themselves maximum chances of success will have recourse to genetic modification. After which, the results vary: some do exceptionally well, while others disappear into oblivion.
The diversity of species is exhilarating, some are more utilitarian than others, and many are simply pretty, with no obvious function other seemingly than to bring pleasure to the eyes, or a fragrant delight. More than we might realise, many are the product of mixes from various subspecies and some of the resulting plants or flowers are breathtaking.
Roses are almost universally considered to be particularly attractive, and they have come to need some protection against their unwanted admirers, so they have developed thorns. Depending on the eagerness, this might be enough to turn most of them away.
Some are uprooted whether they want it or not and find themselves in either more hostile or conducive conditions, depending on their luck. Their progress will depend on the original compatibility with the new environment and on their adaptability. If their basic needs are not met, they cannot survive. However if the conditions are good, they actually do even better and even blossom beautifully!
In the best of environment, you cannot predict the weather. While the conditions might be optimal, a flood, or hail, or drought might completely change what was until then a most welcoming soil. It could be temporary, annual or so dismal that it becomes impossible to remain. Some species which seem the most solid, deep rooted trees which may even protect the others might not be able to handle the strongest of winds, while others, more flexible ones such as reeds will do perfectly well.
Some plants will find that they are particularly compatible with the plants that are near them. They might even have branches reaching out towards each other, and depending on artistry might form together a shade bringing, gloriously welcoming arch. They never forget that while they might extend towards each other and might seem as one, they still have their own, distinct roots.
Finally we all return to the soil where we came from, to nourish other creatures ready to grace its surface.
