Bowden Lily

The Bowden Lily is an ornamental bulb which I observed growing in the grounds of Bristol Cathedral. It produces beautiful ‘strap-shaped, rich green leaves preceded by erect stems bearing umbels of lily-like pink flowers 6-8cm in width, with wavy, recurved segments’, according the eloquent writers of the Royal Horticultural Society. Under the heading of 'Pruning', it is noted, rather simply:

No pruning required

Here is a plant that does not grow in a wasteful or unhelpful manner. It needs no pruning, for its chooses well where to shoot leaves and flowers. Here is a good role model for us. If we focussed more upon spiritual growth rather than financial and physical, we might need a little less painful pruning.