Sometimes I feel like the gardener in the gospel of Luke. Don’t worry this is a gardening blog, so no heavy theology here, but of the 3 similar gospel stories (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Luke’s gardener is the only one who suggests cultivation and compost in the story of the fig tree. In the other two gospels, it is simply cut down for not bearing fruit.
Why am I talking about a fig tree and showing a photo of an orchid? Because interestingly enough, when I brought this orchid in this year, I quoted the parable of the fig tree (from Luke) to it. In other words, I told it that I had given it several chances and it had not produced for me.
I said that this year was its last chance. After this year, it was going to be composted.
And this is its second set of flowers this year. Hmm.I wonder how the fig tree in Luke worked out?
Gardendaze 
Never underestimate the power of conversation. Even with plants…
Do we know what happened to the fig tree? It got three years, and the vinedresser asked for a fourth; but what happened after that?
We don’t, Tony, and that’s why Luke is my favorite Gospel. He never gives you the answers. You have no idea what happens in any of the stories. The Prodigal Son comes home and then what? Is he still a wastrel? Does his older brother come into the party? Luke never gives us any answers. We have to supply them from wherever we are on our faith journey–& I will bet it changes. I know my reaction to the Prodigal Son has.
As for the fig tree, I am going to believe that it is like my orchid. Everything responds to cultivation.
Karla