Thanking your plants

Pulling some rhubarb today from an old, and trusty plant made me realise how much I take it for granted. Every year it produces but I never give it any food or even water. How ungrateful is that? 
Its not just the rhubarb but all the fruit trees and bushes, the flowers and shrubs too. I rob them of something that has taken them months, maybe years, of energy to produce - and in one quick snip or snatch, its gone, without so much as a "by your leave".  
I feel guilty and need to apologise for my rudeness. 
In future, I intend to thank the plant (aloud) and give it a gift in appreciation for what they have given to me. It may be some water, or mulch or compost around the roots. Perhaps some chicken manure pellets from a tub that I will carry around in my bucket.  Or some TLC, weeding around its roots or pruning  away some dead growth to give it more air and room to breathe. Its the little things that show you care and make a plant feel wanted.

I must admit, I don’t always thank my plants for what they’ve given me. But I do always talk to them. Words of encouragement or let them know they’re doing well. And I always say good morning & good night to the plants in the polytunnel.