Living . Gifts
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Chinese Proverb
Thank goodness for people who think of future generations; who exert effort, vision, and spend their own time so that future generations may benefit.
This afternoon I had the opportunity to walk through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, Australia. It was beautiful, calming and gratifying. Officially founded in 1818, the RTBG grew as Hobart Town did and now holds over 6000 species of plants.
It was humbling to stand beside a Wellingtonia (or Big Tree) from California that was considered a ‘mere infant’ at 150 years old. It was young considering that this tree could live to around 4,000 years and reach over 100 metres in height.
I wondered what story that tree could tell? What passing of time had it witnessed in its150 years? How many other people had stood in the same spot as I and looked up and marvelled? Who were those people and what were their lives like?
In today’s technology where I have, in my hand, immediate access to the image and statics of any tree - there is nothing that matches the experience and awe of having a living tree before me. To see its colour, smell it, touch its bark and to try and see whether my embracing arms can reach around its trunk are all part of my own ritual of reverence before such majesty.
Although travelling is an important part of my life, there are some places that I may never have the opportunity to visit. Today, though, I was able to stand beside a Chinese Tulip Tree from China, a Patagonian Cypress from Chile and Argentina and a Prickly Juniper from the Mediterranean.
I have now decided to visit Botanical Gardens wherever I go. To me they are a calming introduction to a place. Importantly though, they are a living link between those of the past and us today.
I am grateful to those whose vision has given me the joy I experienced today. They themselves could have only imagined and hoped for the sheer beauty existing today.
Perhaps we could all think a bit more of those not yet born and plant a tree?
