Tree ladders to the heavens (alternatively, you had me at espaliered)

The plant treasure hunt (selecting, shopping for plants for my clients) part of my work is pure pleasure. So thrilling to find the right plants to round out a soulful design experience. I refer to this task as “picking the very best icing for your garden cake” (because I love cake) or “selecting the very best *friends* you’ll ever have” (because it is true).

What makes the plant treasure hunt even better is connecting with nursery people who’ve got soul – who really believe in the power of plants. Wholesale growers (plant caregivers, shall we say) who invest in plant healthcare and sound practice at their nurseries, leave me assured of the *sustainability* of these bright, beautiful symbols of hope and health.  Last week, while on treasure hunt, I had the pleasure of walking, talking and gazing at lovely *babies* at Cascadian Nurseries, Inc., a wholesale only nursery in Hillsboro, OR.  My tour was lead by Mr. Wholesale-Nursery-Wonderful, Jim Larson.  Guess you might say he is the plant nursery *pediatrician*. 

Whilst touring the “trees with European Artistry” we happened upon the espaliered flowing pears.  Now, I must say Cascadian had me at espaliered and though I was a bit too early to see bloom (given our weather this past winter, arggg), let me tell you, these babes are ladders to the heavens!  Officially fell in love with yet *another* tree. The loving care (and true artistry) for these trees was legible. There they stood, strong, aligned, ready for an imaginary climb. I shrieked (Jim jumped), ”Can you imagine what these look like when in bloom?!  How about in their glorious fall color?!” Of course he can, he takes care of them, silly. 

Tree Art

Ladders, calling my eyes (and  heart) to climb up, connecting with appreciation to larger thoughts, ideals, daydreams – of good life, good living, good health – ’cause that’s what quality plants do for us.

Plant nerd's stairway to heaven

“Like the apple, the pear has always had a strong connection with children, fertility and prosperity. But while the apple often appears in male-female customs concerning courtship and marriage, the pear tends to be associated solely with the female gender.”  The Meaning of Trees: Botany, History, Healing, Lore

Ms. Topher Delaney, thanks

 

Topher Delaney, Carolyn S. Stolman Healing Garden, Acer Institute Tour 2007

Curls my toes, yes it does.  Don’t know how many times I have watched this 25 min.* online video - late at night, middle of a design project for a jolt, starting my day.  Perhaps you will indulge in the scenes of heartful craftswomanship; giggle at the sometimes animal shelter sometimes design studio; engage in the masterful extraction of the term “healing garden”; or simply wonder how we get from one place to another in our respective journeys.  Delicate balance. Delicious, delicate balance of art, care, stewardship, persistence of an artist’s truth.  Where do the words fall for you?

Oh yes, the video features a sampling of Topher Delaney’s Healing Gardens (or her term, “sanctuary gardens”).  Gives this possibilitarian and imagineer food for thought and a way to appreciate her more than the Acer therapeutic garden tour interlude in 2007 (picture above).

Take from it what you will.  For me: be more clear about what you do, where it comes from, and why you do it.

*Feels like to long?  Tuck it in your back pocket for that day when you need a little refueling.