Seed, Root, Bloom: 3 Business Lessons to Learn from Plants

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” — Martin Luther

Photography: Nancy Ray PhotographyDesign: Philosophy Flowers — Photography: Nancy Ray Photography
Design: Philosophy Flowers

This quote by Martin Luther has a lot to offer humanity in this time of high uncertainty. More than ever, people are questioning the future of so many things in life, including their businesses.

As a small-business owner, you can’t help but wonder about your business after this crisis is over. Will things get back to normal? Will you be able to make up for the losses? How will I help my consumer feel safe? These are just a few questions I’ve even asked myself.

As I sat down to think about this, the thought of a seed came to my mind. I began to think about the correlation between a seed and its bloom. What is the process that causes a seed to bring out its beauty as a flower?

I thought about the seed, the root, and the bloom of the planting and growing process. Now, we all know there are more involved components to growing a plant, but I will focus on these three parts for this article.

The process of growing an idea into a business mirrors the growth of a seed into a plant. The seed is the idea. The root is the growth. The bloom is the service.

1. THE SEED

Just imagine for a moment, you have this tiny little seed in the palm of your hand. When placed in the right environment (soil), that little thing (seed) has the potential to become a big thing (tree).

In times like these, we all need to be thinking about new ideas. Ideas that come to our mind can be likened to a small seed. Our current business was once just a seed, just an idea. What tiny little idea do you have now? Do you realize that if you make an effort today and every day thereafter, that seed can grow into something bigger than you could ever imagine?

The success of the idea will all depend on the actions you take today. See your concept not as it is but what it can become. See the tree in the seed. Choosing creativity amid uncertainty is vital. Only what you do now will have the potential to become something greater tomorrow.

2. THE ROOTS

The root is the plant’s foundation—its support system. No matter what is happening at earth-level, the roots of plants continue to grow. When a plant is moved from a flower pot to the ground, a shift happens. Through its roots, the plant recognizes that it will need to be stronger to survive in its new environment.

The root reminds me of the deeper work taken place within me—the ability to believe that better days will come. The shift that happens in a plant also happens in us as humans. Like the root, we must grow in strength and durability.

I want to liken the root to habit—the root is shaping the plant, and our habits shape us. The growth happens on the inside first, where no one can see. The measure of that internal growth directly reflects the growth on the outside. When the plant begins to sprout above the soil, it’s because it started inside the soil. The inside is what supports the outside. Similarly, business ideas follow the same strategy.

We must be willing to work on ourselves so that work will be reflective in our business. What rootwork will you do within yourself, to permit a sprout in your business?

3. THE BLOOM

The most admirable part of a plant is its bloom. The bloom is where it beholds its beauty. It’s also where it renders its service to the world. Even though it took only one person to plant the seed, many others are benefitted for years to come.

Going back to the Martin Luther quote, if I knew the world would end today, I would still plant my seed.

The idea may have come from you, but it’s not only for you. What would happen in your business if you started to think like that? You are planting for the future, not just for today and not just for yourself.

If you are still contemplating what to do next on your journey with flowers, I encourage you to plant the seed. Water it every day with action. Have an action plan. Eventually, roots will begin to sprout on the inside and cause the sprouting on the outside.

Ultimately your plant will grow and service generations to come. Go ahead and plant that seed.