The Secret of Spring by Piers Anthony, Jo Anne Taeusch

They called them Sippers. They were provided for the exclusive use of unruly stamen. The practitioner would place the distended member over his thumb and blow until the yellow pollen erupted in a cloud of ecstacy. It could happen to the best of Veganoids , but was not something one spoke of in mixed company.
    "These are class A booths. For a little extra we can run a hologram show while you enjoy your privacy," the clerk pressed.
    It was a sick proposition, and more than he could stand. Herb shook his head violently and dashed through the front door. All he wanted was to get out of that hot house.
    Easier said than done. Two seedy pollitutes latched onto him as he descended the steps outside. One was a plump Vinese , the other a Treeple . The Treeple brushed her branches against him. Not again!
    "Ever had it with a Treeple , Veggie? Eight limbs give a crazy massage," she cooed.
    Herb drew back in disgust. Her rings betrayed her advanced age and her leaves were withered. Dried sap clung to the material over her mounds. "No!" he snapped, and ran before she could get a better grip. She probably had root rot.
    "Up your Aster," she yelled after him, and rejoined her sister by the shop.
    Herb felt sick to his stomach. What had he been thinking of to get mixed up with that bunch? Was that the life he preferred to an arrangement with Lily? As he turned the comer, he saw the symbol of a Vegetarian Temple ahead. On impulse, he went inside where an old Treeple Elder was standing by the altar.
    "May I, uh, make admission, Elder?" he asked.
    The Treeple nodded him toward the booth. Entering, he sat facing the Elder with a curtain of wallflowers between them. He began the ritual.
    "Forgive me, Elder. I have erred."
    "In what manner, my son?" asked the Ancient.
    "I was wilted this past week," he confessed.
    "Is it your habit to indulge in potting soil, or in distilled water?"
    "Not usually, Elder. I mean, no, I never use potting soil. But I did absorb the water."
    "What caused you to err?"
    "I've been depressed. Lonely."
    " Nonhabitual . Absolved."
    "Tonight, Elder, I don't know why, but I visited a polli parlour . Infertile pollination establishment," he added for the Elder's clarification.
    "I see. How do you feel about that?" asked the Elder.
    "Low. I didn't mean to. I was walking by and a pretty Treeple called out to me. I was weak."
    "Not premeditated. Absolved."
    "Wait. I watched a show there. A bare-limbed passionflower. My-my stamen was unruly," he blurted.
    The Elder sighed a long sigh. "If you plant the seed, you must harvest the fruit."
    "Oh no, no harvest. But, my mouth was full," he admitted.
    "Unforeseen circumstances. Absolved."
    "Thank you Elder. I feel much better now." And he did. The dirt of the polli parlour seemed to wash away, leaving him cleansed as after a spring shower.
    "Perhaps you should consider putting down roots, my son," the Elder suggested.
    "I had a girl, but we grew apart. I don't know if she is the right Veganette for me."
    "Must it be a Veganette ? Cross pollination is no sin within a compatible union. I have grafted many such couples in my time. True happiness can be found in variety."
    "That is not the problem, Elder. I have not limited my interest on the basis of species." He thought of the young Vinese girl he had met in the polli parlour . "I just don't know if I'm ready to plant a commitment yet."
    "You will be sure when the time comes, my son. My advice to you is to plant your seed in a sanctified union, raise a family, and take vitamin C."
    Herb went on his way, vegetating on the Elder's words of wisdom. He would turn over a new leaf. He would certainly try!

6
     
    New Moon
     
    Spring dried her eyes and accepted the cup of hot clear broth from the gentle servant girl standing solicitously by her bedside.
    "Thank you. What is your name?" asked Spring , waiting for the broth to cool.
    "Companion Iolanthe , my Lady." The girl smiled shyly. Her dark straight hair was tied back primly, and she was