Seeds to Gardens

My daughter and I planted zinnia seeds this past spring in one of her garden beds that produced the most bountiful supply all summer long! And, if you aren’t familiar with zinnias, they start out as little arrow shaped seeds. As the stem grows from under the soil, bright green leaves arrange opposite of each other and climb upwards. At the tip of the stem, leaves begin to cluster tightly, forming a rounded bud and as the bud slowly loosens, its petals unfurl one by one radiating outwards in bright, bold, beautiful colors. 

It was so special to witness the multitude of pollinators who would come and visit. To look out and see such vibrant life was such a gift to our garden this year. We were blessed to make numerous bouquets and share them with others, as well. 

Eventually in time, the petals lost their brilliance and begin to curl and dry. I would sometimes prune and tuck them away in a small box I had stored in the garage. 

And, once the season shifted into Fall, it was time to dig the garden bed out to make room for something new. So, with the help of my little 7-year-old we pulled them out together, saving every dried bloom as we went along.  Afterwards, I pulled out my box I had tucked away and showed her how to collect the seeds from these once vibrant beauties. Where each floret was, a brand new seed laid underneath. We collected seed after seed until there were seemingly hundreds! And, as she gathered these seeds with delight, scooping them by the handfuls she said, “When it’s time to plant these seeds, they will produce even more flowers with even more seeds and then we will have flowers forever and ever."

A truth so profound that she didn’t even realize she was teaching me in that moment. 

You see, the flower doesn’t keep its beauty for itself.  It gives freely, abundantly, drawing life to itself.  But, the flowers work doesn’t end with its bloom.  As the petals fade and its bright light withers, these precious flowers were quietly producing seeds all along.  And each seed was carrying the potential to produce even more flowers the following season, multiplying year after year. In the same way, one act of love, one prayer,

or one seed of faith God plants in us can multiply far beyond what we can see.

May this be a sweet reminder that however big or small things may be, nothing is overlooked or wasted by God. He plants in us seeds of faith, kindness, and love. As we grow, He calls us to reach toward His light, to bloom in the way only we can. Our lives, our words, our care, our prayers become nourishment for others, like nectar to a weary soul. And just as the zinnia produces seed, our faith can plant seeds in others that spread far beyond us.

So, let us live like the zinnia. Bold, generous, and faithful. Trusting that the seeds planted within us will bloom into gardens we may never fully see.

9/25/2025 - Photos and writing by Chelsea McKee