Plant perennials and watch the roots
On sunlight, root systems, and what botanical advice also applies to human life
Anyone with a talent for keeping plants knows that the visible part above the soil is never more than half of the story. It's what gets noticed, of course, but the attention it gets is disproportional to the real tale.
■ The health of what's below the surface matters as much as anything you can see. What happens below is especially important to sustaining life through harsh seasons like winter: A good root system for a tree can be seven times the size of the leafy crown.
■ Activity in most plants doesn't have to be visible for growth to take place. A plant will need sunlight eventually, but flowers and leaves are generally disposable, while a healthy root structure is not. To the uninitiated, what's visible can become a distraction.
■ It's surprising how much "green thumb" advice applies to human relations just as well: Plant perennials once and you'll reap rewards for years to come. Find what will survive the winter and come back stronger when the days grow longer. Don't mistake a bunch of visible foliage for health below the surface. Consider the whole system.
