National Tree Day

Last Sunday, July 31, was National Tree Day. While some groups planted 100’s of trees, we planted just one: a carefully chosen Eucalyptus crenulata.  We will be able to see it from the windows in the Learning Centre and when it grows it will have beautiful decorative foliage, which enjoys being pruned.  This was our tree planting liturgy:

Tools:
tree to be planted, in a bucket of water
spade for digging hole
gardening gloves
watering can with water in it

Digging the Hole

Person 1 puts spade into soil and removes some and holds aloft soil on spade

Person 2 says:

We cherish the secret life of the soil wherein does dwell all the elements to nourish life on earth.  We bless this soil that will support and feed the tree we plant today.
Person 1 digs the hole.

Planting the tree

the tree is soaking in a bucket of water
Person 3 picks up tree (in pot), wearing gardening gloves, tips the water in the bucket into the hole and then holds the tree while

Person 4 says:
We celebrate and give thanks for all trees.  On this National Tree Day we are glad to plant this little tree: processor of light and carbon; bringer of clean fresh air. May you grow strong and tall to be habitat and haven, shade and shelter for many.
Person 3 removes tree from pot.  People invited to come forward and ‘tickle the roots’. Person 3 plants the tree.

Watering in the tree

Person 5 holds watering can of water

Person 6 says
We celebrate and give thanks for water – source and sustainer of life.
We bless the rain, and all the water that was once rain. May it fall upon this tree as it is needed, helping this tree grow to be a thing of beauty and a joy to behold.
Person 5 waters in the tree

Blessing those gathered

Holy Sophia,
we ask a blessing on ourselves and on all who walk, work, play and learn in this place.
May we be like a tree:
deeply rooted in that which nourishes and sustains;
strong and resilient enough to weather life’s storms;
and as generous to others as a canopy of shade.
May it be so!