Children of the Forest….. Saplings

These jars are inspired by the beautiful trees in our world, and the walking talking fantasy Ents from Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Sapling Jar

I have always loved trees. After moving into my house years ago, one of the first things I did was plant trees for shade and fruit.

I have an apricot tree, two cherry trees, and a peach tree for fruit and shade.

My yard also contains trees for shade only. Two London Bloodgood plane trees, and a Twisty-baby Locust. These trees are sacred to me. I’ve spent years pruning, watering, and admiring them. Its amazing to have beautiful pieces of nature in our yards.

The Children of the Forest…. Saplings

Trees, ferns, flowers, and moss; the world of the forest is full of life.

Yet...

The wildest of places in these ancient sanctuaries, give rest to ancient dead trees lying upon the soil.

In these places, mushrooms grow, insects scurry, and animals meander through a graveyard of trees.

Unlike the resting places of humans, the living and the dead can mingle in beauty and grace in sheltered peace.

The vital reality that new life grows out of the old is present all around these sacred wild spaces.

On the forest floor among old dead branches, and trees that have fallen upon the ground, new life springs up from the earth.

Saplings.

Tiny fragile pieces of the wild that look up from the mossy floor to their lofty family high above.

Seeing ancient branching arms covered with leaves or needles, cradling the air above them.

Upon the dimly lit forest floor small shafts of light escape through the canopy and fall upon these little ones.

They live in the shadow of the living trees and mingle among the small green plants, toad stools, and ferns.

One day in many long years, these little ones will join the big trees that tower over them.

To walk in a place where the saplings lie is to look upon a future filled with beauty and potential.

Fragile, balanced on life and death, the young trees reach for the light above.