Good morning gardeners. The pandemic has given us the chance to go for regular walks in our neighborhood and, when we do so, we pay special attention to the trees. Sometimes we even make sketches of them in our drawing pads or journals. Trees captivate our hearts.
Trees have inspired people to create millions of fascinating artworks, poems and stories. They capture our imagination and encourage us to meditate and contemplate their silent wisdom.
The mysteries of trees continue to be unleashed as scientists make astounding discoveries about their secret life. In his book, “The Hidden Life of Trees,” Peter Wohlleben explains how trees support other trees of the same species through their roots. Like a herd of elephants, trees help their sick and weak.
Trees thrive on cooperation, not competition.
A tree can only be as strong as the forest that surrounds it. Therefore, there is a process that allows the trees to cooperate to make sure that everybody has enough to survive and thrive. Whoever has an abundance of sugar hands some over; whoever is running short gets help. This supportive network of roots involves also the participation of fungi.
In this symbiotic community of the forest, plants, shrubs, grasses and different species of plants may also benefit, but monocrops planted by humans lack this capacity to communicate and thrive, so they are more vulnerable to pests. Peter Wohlleben suggests that farmers should learn from forests and breed more wildness in their fields. This would help the plants to be more resilient and healthier.
Peter’s reflections and knowledge bring to my mind the concept of agroforestry. Agroforestry is about growing trees together with other agricultural crops and animals. This is good for everyone. It conserves water, soil and biodiversity. It helps to curb climate change, enhances the beauty of the landscape and contributes to habitat restoration. Here’s a website on agroforestry:
https://www.agroforestry.org/
Here’s an article on how the destruction of nature created the conditions for a pandemic and how we need to prevent future pandemics:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/halt-destruction-nature-worse-pandemics-top-scientists
The apple tree we planted last year bloomed a few days ago.
How is your garden? How are your trees doing?
I am in the process of transplanting my tomato plants. The photo was taken before the transplants were done, and I’m still working on this. You may see pepper plants and basil plants in the photo.
Our perennials are coming back to life. A month ago they seemed to be dead, but I was wrong. Spring is dancing in every corner of our garden, reminding us that this is a time for renewal and rebirth. Weeds are also keeping us busy, but everyone plays a role in the forest of life.
By the way, I saw a brown toad in our garden. (I did not take a photo of him or her). Among other things, they like to eat small mice. I have not seen any mice this year but if you want to attract toads to your garden, leave a shallow plate with water. Toads do not drink water; they absorb it through their skin.
I will finish this diary with a simple poem I wrote this week:
May our resilience shine
With the persistence of a dandelion,
The wisdom, strength and balance of a tree,
The grace of Mother Nature to get creative
amid the challenges.
May we all be open to the diversity of ecosystems
to let them flourish,
and, like the trees,
may we all cooperate and nurture everyone
to honor the peace of our branches thriving in the sun,
thankful for the air, water,
and for the gentle healthy soil
sustaining us and our future generations.