I have one rule when I’m writing the fall newsletter; it’s that I’m outside under a clear sky and a canopy of changing trees. I’m hiking in the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Preserve near Presque Isle on an autumn day where superlatives do no justice. Sitting on a mossy bank, the trees envelop me. A forest full of trees just bursting into color, and yet each tree is unique and has its own story to tell if we’re willing to listen. What might we hear, maybe an owl soaring through its branches on a moonlit night, or a doe and her fawn relaxing in its shade on a lazy summer day? Or would the story be of violent storms that shake its foundation and a lightning strike that changes its shape forever, or maybe the wondrous days of spring as it unfurls its new leafy wardrobe. The stories go on and on and are seldom witnessed by anyone.

I don’t think these feelings make me a tree hugger, I do burn wood and realize that it’s also a great resource. But it’s hard to be in my line of work and not be inspired by the natural world.

As we enter a new season at the greenhouse the inspiration comes easy as the scent of evergreens fills the air. And seeing the talented hands of the people that I’m so fortunate to work with shaping those branches into creations of beauty truly astounds me.

If we are fortunate to have you walk through our doors this holiday season, take a deep breath. Let the smells of soil, evergreen, and even the cider pot fill your senses. Then, let your eyes take in all the sights. We hope to inspire you.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 10th, 2006 at 11:07 am and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.