Why single out trees to give them their own space within these pages, when there are so many different kinds of plants? There is no rational reason for this, but trees occupy a special place in our hearts and minds. Perhaps, it is something about our evolutionary past that has created that deep-rooted connection to the arboreal world in our souls.
Even long after we stopped living in the trees, they have continued to give us comfort and shelter, foods and medicines, as well as materials for almost all our material needs.
The forest is both, an outer reality and a representation of the inner world. What emerged between these realms are human cultures whose roots have become deeply entwined with those trees.
Whether in the Amazon rain forest or in the forest cultures of northern Europe, our relationship with trees and forests have shaped our world in both the material and spiritual dimensions.
This space is dedicated to exploring trees in all their glory.
Plant Profile: Moringa
The Moringa tree, though not well-known outside its native habitat, is a blessing, offering multiple gifts for the benefit of mankind.
Sugar Maple – A Sweet Miracle
Sugar Maple is an iconic tree of the northeastern parts of the US. Its display of bright orange and red fall foliage is world-famous.
Plant Profile: Walnut
Walnut trees (Juglans regia) are acclimated foreigners in our northern latitudes. Their home is in the warm, and fertile regions of south-east Europe, northern Greece, northern Italy, and France, where they are widely cultivated.
Foraging: Sweet Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)
Nothing quite conjures up the magical atmosphere of autumn as the warm, sweet scent of roasted chestnuts. It immediately invokes images of bonfires and harvest feasts.
All about the Elder-tree – its myths, magic, and medicine
The Elder tree is the medicine cabinet of the country people. This much loved, bushy tree is a common sight throughout Britain, Europe, and North America.
The Old Tree and the Carpenter
A parable about the ‘usefulness’ of other species’, vs. the innate value of all species for their own sake, and the preciousness of life.