The butterfly tree

Buddleja or the butterfly tree provides a haven for those adoring of creatures, the magnificent butterfly. Some stand nine feet tall; others, only four feet small. That’s ours. Planted in a beautiful heritage plant pot; as befitting a beautiful plant.

A tree loved by the pollinators; it waits patiently for its captivating deep purple flowers to appear. Attracts bees and of course those most beguiling of flying creatures; butterflies, especially the red admiral, who readily succumbs to their beauty. Hummingbirds too.

Buddleja has a spiritual and regenerative past. It grew between the cracks and devastation of the ‘bomb sites’. Such a beautiful flower can only be a sign of peace, compassion and hope. Like the poppy, both wild in nature. Commemorative. Peace loving.

In autumn the buddleja nestles down for the months ahead. Sheds her leaves. Needs her strength to weather the storms ahead. The cold of the winter months.

Allow her to speak to you. To murmur in your ear what she needs to survive; to sustain her beautiful, elegant, honey sweet flowers. To live her life to the full.

I must keep her warm. Keep her dry. Keep her safe. I’m watching her now as she stands firm against the might of the east coast winds. Storms threaten to break her endurance; her resilience. They will have to work much harder than that.

I listened intently. I swear this is what I heard her say –

‘In summer the butterflies tickle as they nuzzle deep to pollinate. They are so beautiful with their flapping wings that cause chaos, in comparison only to the might of the prevailing winds.

Prune me in spring. Prune me again at the second flush of growth. Feed me well. Nurture my soul and I will handsomely reward you. Whisper to me sweet nothings and I will return year after year to make your heart sing. Your soul smile.

Pruning encourages new growth, prevents me from taking over the world. You don’t believe me. With a little help from Mother Nature it is possible.