Gardening, Symbiosis, and Relationships

Marigolds and Tomatoes – a Symbiotic Relationship

                 Early each spring, Dad and Mother ordered specific miniature marigold seeds to plant in rows along side his rows of vegetables as pest-preventatives. They selected zinnia seeds based upon the large flowers they would produce. These seed packets were ordered in a timely manner from Henry Field’s Seed Catalog. Their seed order included Kandy Korn sweet corn, Kentucky Wonder green beans, Black Magic zucchini, Clemson spineless okra, and Miss Pickler hybrid pickling cucumber.

                Since moving to the farm, I have only attempted growing tomatoes. Yet I recognized the need for the little marigolds and zinnias. Not being as forward-thinking in my garden plan, I had to grab the only seeds I could find for a fraction of the price. As I read the seed packets once I got them home, the description revealed I had indeed purchased marigold and zinnia seeds but quite different from the ones ordered by my parents in previous years. 

One of the little zinnias blooming on November 1.

                I didn't purchase my marigold seeds as carefully as my parents had so I did not have miniatures. Neither did I plant them in the distinct rows as Dad did. I just broadcasted the seeds. I shouldn't have been surprised as they grew in what appeared to be mounds.  

Mound of Marigolds

                As autumn wound down, the marigold bushes still looked gorgeous. The few ripe tomatoes were on plants close to the vibrant reddish-tinged orange marigold flowers. The last ripe tomato was on the tomato plant next to the zinnias.

                As I looked at withering tomato plants, dwindling zinnias, and robust, thriving marigolds, the term – symbiotic – came to mind. Symbiotic relationships in nature often indicate two species, quite different but frequently a helpful influence on one another. In the case of the beneficial little flowering plants, the tomatoes seem to reap the most advantages from the insects and pests being kept away from them by the pungent posies.

                Relationships of human beings can be categorized as symbiotic. Symbiotic relationships usually are characterized as positive. Scripture bears this to be true in I Peter 2:12 –

Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors.

Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior,

And they will believe and give honor to God when He comes to judge the world. (NLT)

                As believers, how we live affects those around us, just as the marigolds affect the health of the tomato plants. Our daily living should influence those near us. They should see God in our words, attitudes, and decisions. Those around us may never become believers, but our commitment to live godly lives in accordance with His commands will enrich their lives.

Marigolds on November 1, 2018

                Unfortunately, just as the tomato hornworm negatively impacts the tomato plants, (To read a blog post about the tomato hornworm, go to this link - https://bernadeanjgates.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-puffy-pest.html) so symbiotic relationships can be likewise. The Bible records multiple warnings of harmful symbiotic relationships. The corrosive impact of these adverse associations are documented in the life of King Solomon, with these foreboding words – ...His wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God… (I Kings 11:4)

                Paul mentioned the trouble-making coppersmith named Alexander who sought to personally harm him. He reminded Timothy in II Timothy 4: 14-15 to be wary of Alexander. A relationship with this man would prove destructive to Timothy's ministry.

                May our relationships have positive symbiotic results. Even if people around us disagree with our beliefs, may they see our authenticity, ethically upright decisions, and graciousness even in our dissent with them.
…Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope, that is in you, with meekness and fear; Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, Those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.    I Peter 3:15-16