The Secret Life Of Trees

Initially I was going to post this image in the Paulownia post but decided I'd prefer to showcase it because trees are one of my favourite subjects. I frequently see faces in the trunks of trees and I regard them as guardians of the Earth. One of the aspects I love most about trees is their anthropomorphic natures. When I was a schoolgirl the school choir sang a song at the yearly concert, based on a poem titled "Trees" written by American author Joyce Kilmer.  Although quite simplistically stated, I think it is one of the most beautiful poems due to the sentiments it contains and although I disliked singing, the words of that song frequently pass across my mind when I observe trees as I'm out and about. This one really does seem to be raising its arm towards the Heavens.

I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed .... against the Earth's sweet flowing breast.

A tree which looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree that may in summer wear, a nest of robins in her hair.
Upon whose bosom snow has lain...... who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.

 Many of the single blossoms once freed from their groups were strewn on the forest floor and to me, they resemble a cross between a hibiscus and an iris. It is fascinating to see the trees at all stages of growth.
A fallen tree  resembled a fallen warrior amongst the ranks.  The markings on the bark of the Paulownia trees look like eyes, which provides a somewhat sinister atmosphere for some, however I think it emphasises the fact that trees are living organisms, possessing an almost spiritual demeanour, ever watchful guardians of the earth.

Only a few of the trees had been harvested on this occasion. Paulownia timber is used for a variety of purposes.

The leaves are large and resemble elephant ear palms.
 
 Wandering through the plantation wafts of perfume drifted in the early morning air accompanied by the buzzing of bees. Apparently Paulownia blossoms can also be used to produce honey.

Some of the fallen trees seem like they're reclining nonchalantly on the forest floor.
 
 Others provide shade which protects the burgeoning life reaching from  the undergrowth, dandelions, poppies and a myriad of other delicate plants

 The trunks of trees are scarred, gnarled and etched with a variety of indentations

 Others given witness to new life.

Paulownia In Bloom

Several trips to the Paulownia Plantation at Richmond have done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for this location. Returned with the Focus crew to observe the trees adorned with their Spring finery. The blossoms were far larger than I'd imagined and although cloud cover prevented any rays from shining through the trees and creating the type of atmosphere I'd imagined, the experience was no less enjoyable.

Nature never fails to deliver. My gift on this occasion was the discovery of an unfamiliar type of dandelion and a felled tree which provided a different perspective on these magnificent trees. I was also able to spend some quiet time alone wandering amongst the trees as everyone else went to breakfast and I encountered a man who had come to harvest some turf and kindly allowed me access. 

For anyone who doubts the power of post processing I offer the following before and after examples of one of my countless shots from the day.  Irrespective of tastes, the profound difference is undeniable. 

SOOC

Post Processing

Post Processing Plus Oil Paint Filter using Topaz Impression

  A contrasting view of a different avenue, created using "Impressions",  the new Topaz software plugin for Photoshop.