Planting Pears is a private mental health service based in Naas, Co. Kildare, which supports the development, learning, and well-being of children and parents. The clinic operates an integrative and systemic mental health service which offers assessments, psycho-education and therapy to children and families.

Origins

“Walnuts and pears you plant for your heirs”
- 17th century English proverb

Pear trees, especially the old English varieties that would have been the subject of this proverb, take many years to mature and give fruit. Pears are considered a sacred fruit in many belief systems, especially in Greek and Roman mythology, where they are linked to three goddesses: Hera, Aphrodite, and Pomona. These goddesses are all notable for their affinity with gardens and the harvest. Homer, the classic Greek poet, referred to the pear as a “gift from the gods.”

The ancient Chinese believed the pear to be a symbol of immortality, since pear trees live for a long time. In Chinese the word li means both “pear” and “separation.” For this reason, tradition says that to avoid a separation, friends and lovers should not divide pears between themselves.

We chose the name Planting Pears because these ancient fruits provide the perfect symbol for the patience and care needed to cultivate healthy and lasting relationships.