Planting trees is important and undervalued. Trees are more vital to an ecosystem than plants because they cleanse the air and support greater biodiversity than plants. For instance, more insects live on trees than on plants. Insects are needed to pollinate the flowers on an apple tree so that fruit grows. 🍎 However, flowers only grow if the tree is exposed to low temperatures for a certain amount of days during the winter. Last year, for the first time, there were no apples on my apple trees which was disappointing. Apparently, this can happen when the winter is mild.
Birds favour trees and I find it fascinating to observe how they work on the bark of branches like a gardener tending their garden. The birds make incisions into branches with their beaks. This excites the growth hormone within trees. It also helps the distribution of sugar throughout the tree. This photograph which I took today shows an apple blossom flower bud which bloom after colder winters. Although it doesn't look it, this tree is very thin and weedy compared with others in my garden. It's taken a few years to arrive at this stage despite encouragement and tending. Last year was a long, hot summer which was great for us but less good for trees. I don't like to use much water during dry spells but this can mean that the trees don't receive enough water to keep them in good condition. However, once summer ended, I stripped climbers of the tree trunks and cleared space around the base of the trees. This allows growth and makes the tree less prone to disease. It seems to have worked because the trees have more leaves of a vibrant green this year than last year.
I love trees not only because they are vital for air quality, and sustain biodiversity but also because they are beautiful. No two trees are identical. They each have their own shape of trunk and branches. Watering the trees in your garden regularly creates a bond between you and the tree and makes you feel close to nature. Just because trees can't make noises like animals in response to you caring for them it doesn't mean they don't communicate with you. They show their appreciation by becoming healthier with vibrant colours. Nature and you become part of each other. Nature isn't something out there you visit and then leave behind. It's part of who we are. Without nature we become less human. we become less healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally. People need to work in harmony with nature as they did in the past and as First Nations still do. The land looks after them because they look after the land only taking from it what they need. We all need to learn from them and treat nature with respect and love for the sake of the planet and ourselves. Nature thrives when we care for it. We thrive when we take care of it. This is why I feel every garden, where possible, should have at least one tree.
#earthday to me means renewing that bond with nature which, during winter months, lies dormant. It's about connecting, once again, with trees, plants, insects, butterflies, birds and feeling that affinity with the world in a direct way through personal contact whether it's watering trees and flowers, or just walking and admiring the blossom trees and the birds flying around you. Bonding with nature makes you happy. It makes you feel alive. Whether it's your garden or a park, a wood or public garden, nature lifts the spirit.
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