Plant Them Deep by Aimee & David Thurlo Read Free Book Online

roots.”
    “That’s exactly what we’re trying todo now,” Knight said, his voice sounding disinterested, or weary. “We’re experts at this, Mrs. Destea. You’ll just have to let us do our job.”
    Rose tried to keep her expression neutral, but it was obvious that Lena was skeptical. “I came to you today because we’ve recently discovered that some of our most important ceremonial and medicinal plants are becoming very scarce. We’re searching forblazing star and silvery lupine, among others,” she said, using the Anglo terms, and handing him a copy of the complete list. “If we can find some of these varieties and use cuttings, seedlings, or even seeds to replant more in areas that have to be reclaimed, it would be a great service to the tribe.”
    “Not many native species are easily propagated, and as you probably know, transplanting themdoesn’t always work either. In the long run, it’s usually more expensive and less productive than using sturdy nursery stock and commercial seed stocks, but I’ll certainly keep what you’ve said in mind.”
    Rose nodded, though she could swear Lena was about to roll her eyes in disbelief. “As you walk around studying the various sections of land, I’d also like to ask that you keep an eye out forthe varieties on that list—most have the common Anglo name listed beside them—and if you happen to see any of them, please call me. My telephone number is written at the top of the page.”
    “I’ll be happy to do that for you,” he said, walking them to the door.
    As they walked outside and headed to the truck, Rose and Lena remained quiet.
    Once they were in the truck and on their way, Lena finallyspoke. “He has no intention of doing anything to help us or the tribe. You know that, right?”
    Rose nodded. “He was giving us what my daughter calls the ‘party line,’” Rose said with a shrug. “But pointing it out to him wouldn’t have done us any good. I just hope he and Maria aren’t joining forces,” she said, telling Lena about her.
    “The Plant Watchers should know about this situation. It’s theirduty to help the Plant People. You need to use the allies you have. And it’s also very possible that, with their help, you’ll be able to find the endangered plants.”
    “You’re right, but it’s going to be awkward for everyone. Collection sites are sacred knowledge that’s inherited in the same way Good Luck Songs are and other family treasures. It’s not right to ask them to divulge their secrets.”
    “How they help is up to them. They may know or be able to find new collection sites for you. There’s an information meeting going on today. Maybe it’s already begun. Why don’t we both go?”
    “I’d been so busy thinking about the plant survey I’d forgotten about the get-together at Gishii’s house,” she said, using Reva Benally’s nickname. She was called “the one with the planting stick” by almosteveryone who knew her. It was said that when she wasn’t working outside in her garden, she was cultivating plants inside her house.
    “Let’s go,” Rose said.
    Already in the general area, they arrived a short time later. They walked to the back of the yard, where everyone had gathered around a large buffet table, and were greeted by six women. The youngest of the largely traditionalist group wasJane Jim, who was in her late forties. All the Plant Watchers had welcomed her eagerly, hoping more women of her generation would come join them.
    Gishii came forward and offered Rose and Lena glasses of
iced tea. Rose had tried to duplicate the special-blend recipe several times but had never quite managed to get it just right. Gishii had claimed to have given her the recipe, but it was obviousthat she’d left at least one ingredient out.
    “Welcome,” Gishii said. “We were hoping you two would join us today.”
    Rose looked at her and then at the others. “I came as the bearer of bad news, I’m afraid. We have a serious