I know exactly what you mean! I was once totally unaware of all the wonder that daily surrounds me. When my eyes were opened, I stepped into a life of reverie. I did not know the great emptiness I was previously living in. Knowing the trees and plants gives me access to free food and medicine. For example, I have plucked out the root of yarrow and successfully treated an antagonizing tooth infection since it’s the great wound healer.
I walk in reverie when I learn about the relationships between plants, fungi, pollinators, etc. For example, when I walk by oak trees, I wonder if there are truffles underground since they support that mycelial relationship. But it’s really learning the medicinal and culinary features of plants that has given me access to an experience of God love. I did not plant or cultivate any of these plants and yet I am given them freely. The other week up in the mountains, I gathered pasqueflower leaves and made medicine from them (while the other hikers walked by in total unawareness of the uses of this amazing plant).
Growing up, I knew the names of several trees & wildflowers. Then when my husband decided to study forestry, we spent our weekends hiking and learning how to identify all the species of trees in the forests near his university. I began to notice the variety of wildflowers on these walks and got myself the first of many wildflower guides. I am always excited to find and identify new flowers, even if they are just in the backyard. My husband has moved onto mushrooms so now we have even more things to keep our eyes open for.
It makes everyday life so interesting, doesn’t it? And it’s contagious! I’m sure you and your husband have inspired others to also take notice of the natural world a bit more.
My father taught me to identify many trees. When I was in fifth grade (in the 1950’s), he drove me to a nearby state park to gather leaves from trees that were not growing on our farm. I believe I had the largest collection in our class. I did not fully appreciate my father’s investment at the time. I am deeply grateful for that kind, quiet, wise man.
I keep a nature journal and paint/draw what I observe when I can. I’m definitely an amateur, but yes— drawing definitely takes seeing to a much more detailed level.
I think lacebark elms seem very feminine. And well-pruned live oaks seem masculine.
One fine specimen on our street we call the "King Tree."
Reminds me of how in Latvija, graveyards have oak trees in them to represent the (more men) dead, and linden trees outside to represent the (more women) mourning survivors.
Magnolias and Japanese maples are among my favourites! Now that we live in the tropics, flamboyant trees. We used to have the Tree Memory game (as seen at Vancouver ArtGallery gift shop), now we play Arboretum.
I know exactly what you mean! I was once totally unaware of all the wonder that daily surrounds me. When my eyes were opened, I stepped into a life of reverie. I did not know the great emptiness I was previously living in. Knowing the trees and plants gives me access to free food and medicine. For example, I have plucked out the root of yarrow and successfully treated an antagonizing tooth infection since it’s the great wound healer.
I walk in reverie when I learn about the relationships between plants, fungi, pollinators, etc. For example, when I walk by oak trees, I wonder if there are truffles underground since they support that mycelial relationship. But it’s really learning the medicinal and culinary features of plants that has given me access to an experience of God love. I did not plant or cultivate any of these plants and yet I am given them freely. The other week up in the mountains, I gathered pasqueflower leaves and made medicine from them (while the other hikers walked by in total unawareness of the uses of this amazing plant).
That is amazing that you know so much about plants as medicine; what valuable knowledge that is!
Growing up, I knew the names of several trees & wildflowers. Then when my husband decided to study forestry, we spent our weekends hiking and learning how to identify all the species of trees in the forests near his university. I began to notice the variety of wildflowers on these walks and got myself the first of many wildflower guides. I am always excited to find and identify new flowers, even if they are just in the backyard. My husband has moved onto mushrooms so now we have even more things to keep our eyes open for.
It makes everyday life so interesting, doesn’t it? And it’s contagious! I’m sure you and your husband have inspired others to also take notice of the natural world a bit more.
My father taught me to identify many trees. When I was in fifth grade (in the 1950’s), he drove me to a nearby state park to gather leaves from trees that were not growing on our farm. I believe I had the largest collection in our class. I did not fully appreciate my father’s investment at the time. I am deeply grateful for that kind, quiet, wise man.
What a beautiful tribute. The small, simple things often make the biggest impact.
Sitting down to draw them takes "seeing" them to the next level. I do need to make an effort to learn the names.
I keep a nature journal and paint/draw what I observe when I can. I’m definitely an amateur, but yes— drawing definitely takes seeing to a much more detailed level.
I think lacebark elms seem very feminine. And well-pruned live oaks seem masculine.
One fine specimen on our street we call the "King Tree."
Reminds me of how in Latvija, graveyards have oak trees in them to represent the (more men) dead, and linden trees outside to represent the (more women) mourning survivors.
Magnolias and Japanese maples are among my favourites! Now that we live in the tropics, flamboyant trees. We used to have the Tree Memory game (as seen at Vancouver ArtGallery gift shop), now we play Arboretum.
I love Japanese Maples so much. So elegant and thoughtful. A tree game is a great idea for learning tree varieties!
Yes, the Tree memory game is superior to Arboretum because it includes the Latin names and cone illustrations.