Life of Trees

Introduction

Some of my earliest memories are of trees. My sister and I are close in age and a routine dental appointment had us scaling the old Apple tree in our back garden to hide. I have a photo of two young girls, safely out of reach, nestled in her branches laughing. I used to swing for hours looking up at her abundance through the seasons; dreaming, singing and making plans.

Nature gently teaches us as we watch her trees put down roots while reaching for the sky. Flowing with change, shedding leaves in autumn, to create room for new buds in spring. Bending and giving way as different weathers blow through.

Cleansing air and water, cooling streams for fish and other wildlife reducing soil erosion, absorbing carbon dioxide, and helping to slow down global warming.

Trees symbolize life, shelter, change, flexibility, creativity, building and strength and our landscape would be forever changed without them.

Rowan Tree

The Rowan tree (or Mountain Ash) is a native deciduous of the United Kingdom, with creamy white flowers in spring and vivid red berries in autumn.

In ancient Celtic folklore, the Rowan was seen to offer protection and is believed to have high vibrational energy of gratitude. It makes a perfect housewarming gift and is thought to help clear the mind and inspire.

There was a beautiful Rowan tree in the front garden of our home when Emily was an early teenager. At that time, my sister-in-law Autumn bought an old miner’s cottage in Cumbria, and there was a Rowan at the bottom of her long back garden. Autumn had long been a child of nature, and the move to that home sparked something deep within. She started to study nature and natural medicine from trees, plants, and herbs.

Nature flows back to nature.

Silver Birch

Silver Birch, is the first of the trees symbols for new beginnings, regeneration, hope, new dawns, and the promise of what is to come.

The Silver Birch carries ancient wisdom and yet, appears forever young.

Myrtle Tree

The green leaves of the Myrtle tree are a symbol of wellness, prosperity and abundance and are known to attract positive vibes and uplifting energy.

Oak Tree

The Oak tree is one of the most beloved trees in the world. It is a symbol of strength, morale, resistance, and knowledge and is often associated with honour, nobility, and wisdom.

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

In the village of Whipsnade, Bedfordshire in 1931, Mr E K Blyth, founded the Tree Cathedral to remember those killed in the First World War. A symbol of hope, faith, reconciliation, and peace.

It flows across 9.5 acres and is planted in the form of a medieval cathedral, with grass avenues for the nave, chancel, transepts, chapels (each representing a season), cloisters and "walls" of different species of trees.  There are wood carvings of owls, squirrels, and birds beside benches, and it is a magical place.

Olive Tree

A beautiful symbol of longevity, perseverance, peace, healthiness, growth, and toughness as it can survive drought.

It evokes the bountiful energy of the Mediterranean and memories of hot days, deserted beaches, old farms clinging to hillsides, azure blue seas, and a slow pace of life.

Lemon Tree

Lemons are a symbol of life, sustenance, cleansing, freshness, healing, happiness, love, light, and optimism.  To dream of a Lemon tree is a sign of growth and wealth.

A friend had a new kitchen installed and I painted a lemon tree in a terracotta pot on the wall by her kitchen patio doors. She had a beautiful Aga stove and while I was painting, she was cooking for her family, and we were chatting quietly. The breeze carried in scents from her garden through the open doors and the sound of cows lowing in the field. A heart memory.

© Copyright Jane Sturgeon 2020