Hug a Tree

 A tree hugger I am!

The weather here in the Pacific Northwest has returned to it's normal June weather. Whew!

Right before the heat arrived I met a friend at Leach Botanical Gardens for a walk among the trees. My friend lives near the gardens, but doesn't venture out often alone and had not visited these gorgeous gardens and trees. I love showing her what is in her own backyard and for me returning to a garden I love walking in. Even as the day was warming up, under the trees we could still see moisture sparkling on the ferns. I know the sparkle doesn't show up well on the first picture, but it stopped us both with it's beauty. It was like diamonds there just for us.

Now this tree I didn't hug, but just smiled to see the home for the gnomes and fairies. Yes, I have talked about that before and I just know they are there. We just can't see them, but at night they come out to dance.

The gardens, during the pandemic, had done some renovating. They added this bridge through the trees just to walk and be with the trees and look down on the garden.

I did title this post "Hug a Tree".  More and more I have become a tree hugger. During the winter I read Forest Bathing by Dr. Qing Li. What a fascinating book. To start the book he says, "We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for millennia. The sounds of the forests, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air--these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us."

So I walk outdoors, I go to the trees as often as possible.

I look down and find the beauty of little flowers sitting next to the tree. They are joined together in mutual admiration.

The Oregon grape was fully fruited and more beautiful than I remembered.

From below the bridge we admired the trees from another angle.

Wild strawberries covered the ground. Here and there were flowers in bloom.

I loved this sign.

 

The original cabin in the gardens was not accessible as the bridge across the creek had washed away during the winter. Still I can imagine living there among the trees.

 

A new structure has been added to the gardens and for any nature tree hugger would be a lovely place for a wedding or special event.

One final look back at the trees before we leave. Visiting the trees again makes my heart happy.

 

"We are part of the natural world. Our rhythms are the rhythms of nature. As we walk slowly through the forest, seeing, listening, smelling, tasting and touching, we bring our rhythms into step with nature. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world. And when we are in harmony with the natural world we can begin to heal."

Welcome to the weekend, dear friends.

Go out among the trees and enjoy this festive, holiday weekend.