Beauty of Nature

Nature in itself is a wonder filled with beauty, and such is what can be found within gardens. The wonder of botanical gardens, with plants by plants and is an area to be loved by botanists, horticulturists and aspiring gardeners alike. Plants from nation to nation can be found, Mexico’s Pineapple Sage, Banksia of Australia and oaks that would likely enjoy the climates of Europe.

　

Look at life, it is itself of curiosity. The extremes life can live is of utter amazement. Plants provide beauty, their survival can be just of amazement as extremity life lives within. The stress they survive. The odd angles some trees live at the seeming metaphorical laugh at gravity. The strange places they grow. From space on trees to soil at the gutter, as long plants are able to grow, the gist of intention is survival.

　

Winter it still is, with multiple trees having given the earth fallen leaves. A clever trick by the plant itself, letting leaves fall in cool weather to conserve energy for the upcoming growing season. Looking at the ground below one sees leaves, a mess to clean up to many, yet food for the tree that once used them. Slow decomposition by micro-organisms releases nutrients for the tree and nearby plants. Self-fertilisation is the second trick of the deciduous tree so easily forgotten.

　

Spring so near, plants have grown new shoots. While plants already give presentation through flowers, those plants who became lifeless are beginning to show that they aren’t so lifeless after all. Buds ready to let out leaves and stems, with plants already in growth. So young are the new growth, pests surely will eat it when possible.

　

Plants are known to be attacked or infested by pests, a worrisome problem to gardeners who so lovingly tend their gardens. Yet plants have found their ways to defend themselves from certain pests naturally, leaving companion gardening to allow for a natural ridding of those troublesome creatures. People have also used ingenuity to use the pest susceptible plant known as the rose as an early warning for pests. Multiple is the ways of defending against those problematic pests with plants as repellents, hands to rid of with labour and pesticide for those with a good day to use such a thing.

Nature is filled with beauty, with I being able to enjoy its very beauty yesterday at the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens. It is a place to bring on thought to the philosopher, to create art in the medium of photography, to inspire gardens with no design. The thick trees give the power to impress. There is a multitude of plants to enjoy the sights of. It is the beauty through the natural world that seems to have great power over people. To protect the plants adored and loved. To grow them ornamentally or for practical use. Imagination is likely the limitation of what one does with plants.

Nature Can Be Weird Sometimes

What can I say? I have two compost bins which are in use, and I noticed a young oak growing out one though a hole at the side. I took it out from that very hole and planted it in a large pot that was unused. Later I checked the same compost bin and it turned out there was a couple more oaks growing in there. I actually picked up the compost bin and moved it nearby so I could get these oaks out with some soil but ended up finding a numbr of oaks growing in total darkness.

In total I found twelve oaks, most of them were growing completely in soil with no light. Because of this lack of light most lacked leaves completely. I planted ten in small-medium sized pots and one in a bottle filled with water. Leaving only one in a large pot due to only having one such a size.

I am happy that I have had so many oaks grow, but originally when I planted fifty plus acorns only fifteen actually grew roots and by mid-winter I thought that the acorns that didn’t grow at all weren’t going to grow at all.

The shells of the acorns that I cracked opened and checked showed that the acorns were getting eaten by tiny white insects, so I simply put all these acorns that haven’t grown into a compost bin and now several months later some acorns have been found well and healthy.

Seeing as all these oaks have been planted it is just a matter of them surviving being transplanted. But what I find amazing is that I never expected acorns out of all things to start growing while under a number of inches of soil. Honestly, if I had known this was to happen, I would have left all of those acorns in the pots they originally were in.

Wands

Wands are useful; it’s not hard to make a simple one and is easily recognizable. They are used amongst those who use it not only for ritual and magic, but can be used to play games.


There are many kinds of wood out there to choose from and all with magical properties of their own, this is why it is important to pick carefully of the type of wood you are to use when making a wand. But also take note of the trees in your local area, if you just happen to be after a certain kind of wood there might just be a tree with the wood you are after. Maybe instead of finding the tree with the type of wood you are after there could be a certain kind of tree or trees with wood that has similar properties but you may find more useful, so make sure to do some studying before choosing.

I personally have two wands of my own, although not often used. One is made of eucalyptus and its elemental association, from what I have heard, varies from who you ask. I have heard eucalyptus’ elemental association being earth, air and water but it seems to be agreed upon that eucalyptus is not associated with fire. It is said eucalyptus wood is great for healing but it also serves for good protection. I have also heard keeping a small branch of a eucalyptus tree indoors serves for promoting good health, promotes good luck when worn as a charm and makes a great divination tool.

The other wood I have used for a wand is made of oak. Oak, elemental wise, is said to be of earth and/or water. Oak has strength and it is durable with its endurance. Oak has the power of protection and healing, like eucalyptus, but also wisdom.