Gardening is not my strong point, but I do appreciate other peoples' gardens and plantings. Some of the gardens in previous posts are amazing! My greatest love though, is trees, especially as they grow freely in nature. I've been known to hug trees.
There was a lovely young eucalypt I hugged many years ago. Slender trunk and smooth, creamy bark. It was windy that day, and I hadn't realised that trees are often in soil that is not rock solid. Previously I'd thought of trees as kind of rigid and unmoving, except in their branches. But the wind was strong and, as I hugged it, I felt its whole body move in my arms. It felt like we were dancing.
I also remember a very bad night with my mental health several years ago (one of many bad nights back then), when I was really hysterical with the violent distress I was in. Bawling my eyes out, I found myself running outside into the night on an impulse, straight into the national park that backed onto us. Stumbled blindly towards a tree, and instinctively wrapped my arms around it. Held on for dear life and cried into its trunk. It gave me some grounding and stability. It's serenity calmed me and healed me enough that my tears and turmoil slowly subsided. After some time, I was able to make my way back to the flat and to sleep.
I love eucalypts, moreton bay figs, she oaks, and big old palm trees. Jacaranda is a huge favourite for the incredible purple of its blooming. There are also poincianas that bloom magnificently around here.
jacaranda
poinciana
