My Favorite Trees

In the final episode of this podcast, I take you through a medley of trees I wanted to make sure got some airtime before the very end. Some of these are topics that I at some point or another scheduled to have an episode, while others are requests from listeners. Enjoy this last installation, and continue to seek out the stories that connect us with our natural world. Thank you all for joining me on this journey through the woods over the last few years.Thank you to Earth Apples, The Tea Lady...

Before the podcast reaches its conclusion, I wanted to make sure listeners had a chance to be involved with what I end up talking about. Today, I answer questions from patrons, email, and social media about a variety of topics. Come hear about my creative process, my favorite extinct trees, what I've got next in store, and so much more.Huge thanks to Earth Apples, Laurie H, Tristan W, Eileen G, Nicholas, and CJ for submitting such awesome questions.Music is by Academy Garden (academygarden.ba...

For the final topic episode of My Favorite Trees, we take one last look at the Celtic Ogham Tree Calendar. All the way at the end is a large shrub lauded for its medicinal properties--the Elderberry. In culture, this plant represents a cycle of rebirth and the new beginnings that all endings bring. Let's explore the unique aspects of this small tree and look at the journey it has been on throughout time.Please send me questions for my upcoming Q&A episode! Less than two weeks to go!Music ...

For quite some time now, I've been wanting to go back and re-record my Sitka Spruce episode and add more stories I've learned since living in Alaska. Simultaneously, you may have wondered why I've only covered one of the most loved evergreen conifer groups around the world once. To be honest, I have some issues with the Picea genus, but I suppose now is as good a time as any to air out some dirty laundry. Today, I'll give the Spruce the credit it's due and share those Sitka stories I've been ...

I teased the idea of this episode a few months ago when I covered the Arborvitae, mentioning that the Japanese Arborvitae belonged to a group of species held sacred in a specific forest in Japan. Today, I'd like to highlight these species: two Arborvitae, two Cypresses, and an Umbrella Pine (which isn't really a Pine). We'll talk about what makes them biologically special as well as special to those who have lived in and around the Kiso Forest. This relationship teaches us much about Japan's ...

Many children around the world grow up singing the nursery rhyme, "Here we go 'round the Mulberry bush." But what is a Mulberry bush? And have you ever even seen its tasty Mulberries in grocery stores? Turns out, this tree (not bush) is better known for something other than its fruit, and that fame has deeply pervaded world cultures whether you know it or not. Listen to find out how, but I'll give you a hint! The Mulberry is closely related to Fig Trees, so it may or may not have something to...

On this special field trip of an episode, I join arborist and host of the podcast, "This Old Tree," Doug Still on a hike through some Tupelo groves on Cape Cod. Together, we learn about the natural habitat of these trees, why they're so loved in Spring and Fall, how the folks on Martha's Vineyard came up with a unique nickname for them, and how modern humans have shaped the landscape of scenic Cape Cod.Want to hear more from Doug? Check out his podcast, This Old Tree on your podcast app of ch...

The Myrtle is a small Mediterranean tree with significance tied to just about every culture of that region--due in large part to how fragrant the plant is. It enlivens Jewish holidays, protects one from curses, and is a display of love and beauty so powerful that it can start wars. Help me ring in the Jewish Tree New Year by learning how this fragrant tree can be so significant and how it shows up in our lives today.Tons of bonus content is available on my Patreon! (patreon.com/MyFavoriteTree...

Happy New Year, tree fans! For the first episode of 2024, I present to you another story of a historical figure that helped reshape our modern relationship with trees and forests. I'm sure you've come across a number of charitable organizations that raise money to plant trees all over the world, especially in countries within Africa and Latin America. But how did all these groups get their start? Today, we'll learn about Richard St. Barbe Baker, an Englishman who came to be known as the first...

While there are many holidays that coincide with the Winter season, there are few that involve traditions I love so much as the Christmas Tree. And while there are many options for what kind of evergreen conifer to bring into your home and decorate with lights and baubles, the champion of them all is the Fir. What is it about this tree that makes it so well-loved at this time of year? I'll explore this species' relationship with the holiday, dive into why Russia ties a holiday tree to New Yea...