The Naturalized Human brings together the science and human experience of the mind-body-food connection. I encourage you to subscribe and become part of a like-minded community of people interested in creating health and wellness in an ever-more complex and distressing world. I seek out the latest research, and translate that into actions we can each take to improve our food, our health, and our planet.
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I am not some kind of trained meditator or seasoned diviner. But there are many instances in my life where I just have to say, ‘Wow, did that just happen to me?’
This most recent episode of - did that just happen - occurred over a tree. And not just any tree - one I have been searching for for over two years.
Now I know some of you won’t get my obsession with trees. But remember I live in a VERY hot place. In fact, I am just 64 km (40 miles) north of the hottest place in Canada, Lytton, BC (which still holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Canada - before it burned to the ground).
Trees can drastically change the temperature of a local area. And a couple of years ago I lost a very beautiful and significant shade giver in my yard. You can read about tree in this post:
I’ve wanted to replace the fallen Russian olive tree with something that serves the same ecological value, but which is not considered to be invasive, like the Russian olive is now in my area.
The goal has been to get a Mountain Ash. Mountain ash do all the same kinds of things - it creates a big open canopy; it flowers in the spring attracting pollinators; those flowers turn to red or orange berries that feed birds; and in the fall this tree turns a deep red providing a great show before winter sets in. Let’s say the Mountain ash checks all the boxes.
The problem ultimately has been the cost. Getting one is pricey and trying to grow one from seed has so far not been successful. Also growing one from seed will add 10 years or more to the shade equation, and let’s face it - I’m getting desperate for that shade.
I’ve been unsuccessful so far in replacing my shade tree.
Fast forward to this spring.