Nandita was our first respondent to the outreach, which asked for New England homeowners with land for tree-planting. Nandita’s home is in Redding Connecticut and abuts the elementary school. Planting trees along her driveway would add green life to her own property as well as bless the school community.

We planned the project over several zoom calls, looking at images of Nandita’s property and developing a plan, coached by our group’s tree expert, Victoria. Nandita desired to plant Arbor Vitae trees, and would order from a local nursery or Home Depot. Spacing considerations between trees, such as trees spread-out and fully-expressed, or planting them closer together for a thicker visual barrier, would determine how many trees to purchase.

The New England ETT team suggested adding one or two fruit or nut trees to the project, but Nandita decided to keep it simple for her first endeavor of caring for young trees. Based on Victoria’s advice about watering needs prior to and after planting, a long hose would be needed. Other supplies such as compost and mulch were added to the list.

On a beautiful Sunday in May, our ETT team of Lovelle, Victoria, and myself carpooled from New Hampshire and Massachusetts to southern Connecticut, where we were met by a local team prepared with shovels and enthusiasm. Julianna was the 6-year-old princess of shakti, dressed ready to work in cowboy boots (“Cowgirl boots!” she stomps.) A special daughter of Amma, Julie was conceived after Nandita and Satyadev asked Amma directly for Her sankalpa (prayer/resolve). Her curiosity, friendliness and love reminded our hearts of the childlike joy we feel around Amma–and our day was permeated by that priceless bliss.

Ray, Eric, Kathleen and Caroline had also responded to the call, running to Amma seva like gopis and gopas. We initiated our project day with the Dhyayamo prayer to beseech Amma’s Grace and a couple of sun salutations to loosen the body before the physical effort of plunging our shovels into the soil.

Our energetic team made quick work of digging holes for the nine Arbor Vitae, to be planted in a zig-zagged arrangement for more visual interest, and space for the trees to grow, rather than a straight line. We dug holes a bit deeper than the trees’ planting buckets, and about twice as wide. The removed dirt was mixed with compost, which would be used to backfill the space below and around the new trees’ root balls. This loose, nutrient-rich soil would invite the young trees’ tender roots to explore and grow.

Satyadev pranams

Are you a New England devotee who would like to plant trees in Amma’s Name on your land? Embracing the Trees would love to support you and invite Amma’s Grace to your yard. After the summer heat, planting projects will resume. If you have already written to us or responded to our survey, thank you. We will be reaching out. Feel free to drop us another line, if you are ready to go!

Contact: trees.ammane@ammagroups.org