A Green Cornfield - A poem by Christina Rossetti

A Green Cornfield

The earth was green, the sky was blue:
I saw and heard one sunny morn
A skylark hang betweent he two,
A singing speck above the corn;

A stage below, in gay accord,
White butterflies danced on the wing,
And still the singing skylark soared,
And silent sank and soared to sing.

The cornfield stretched a tender green
To right and left beside my walks;
I knew he had a nest unseen
Somewhere among the million stalks.

And as I paused to hear his song
While swift the sunny moments slid,
Perhaps his mate sat listening long,
And listened longer than I did.


Christina Rossetti

This river is at Munnar

A forest within a City

"Amidst the teeming millions and cacophony of traffic of Delhi, stands a tranquil, dense forest popularly known as the "green lung" of the capital - the Delhi Ridge. Delhi has the distinction of being one of the few metros in the world that possesses a city forest. An extension of the Aravalli hill range, the Ridge forest spreads over almost 7,800 hectares. Surprisingly, this forest is not entirely "natural", with extensive plantations having taken place since 1847. Today, the Ridge is a mix of native and exotic plants, but still retains its semi-arid scrub vegetation characteristics. Up until the early part of the last century, animals like the Blackbuck, Nilgai and Chinkara roamed this scrub jungle. Rapid urbanisation and habitat degradation have taken their toll and over the years the Ridge has lost most of its big mammal population, with only the occasional hare or jackal still left. The area, however, still remains a birdwatchers' paradise, with almost 200 species being reported. The Ridge performs several ecological functions for Delhi. It acts as a giant sponge to air pollutants, and as an air-conditioner. So effective is this that one can feel a perceptible drop in temperature even while passing by it at the peak of Delhi's summer. The Ridge is also a live laboratory, and has inspired and nurtured many aspiring naturalists by teaching them the rudiments of ecology."

Read on..

Evergreen Western Ghats

"Since humans first utilized wood for fire, tools and utensils, certain trees have held a special significance as both practical providers and powerful spiritual presences. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic areas, but those held to be 'sacred' shared certain traits in common - unusual size or beauty, the wide range of materials they provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even today, certain trees capture our imagination. The majestic oak, the ancient yew, the evergreens we bring into our homes each winter - all are reminders of the power that trees can have in our lives."

Jennifer Smith, Sacred Woods and the Lore of Trees

Tree on a Hill-way 2

"Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away; and if they could, they would still be destroyed, chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branching horns, or magnificent bole backbones. Few that fell trees plant them; nor would planting avail much towards getting back anything like the noble primeval forests. During a man's life only saplings can be grown, in place of old trees — tens of centuries old — that have been destroyed. It took more than three thousand years to make some of the trees in these Western woods, — trees that are still standing in perfect strength and beauty, waving and singing in the mighty forests of the Sierra. Through all the wonderful, eventful centuries since Christ's time — and long before that — God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods, but he cannot save them from fools — only Uncle Sam can do that."

- John Muir

"..trees shall be my books"

".........these trees shall be my books
And in their barks my thoughts I'll character;
That every eye which in this forest looks
Shall see thy virtue witness'd every where."


As you like it
William Shakespeare

Big Trees Standing Tall

Big Trees are always a feast to the eyes. It will not let you go without taking your attention. A part of the tropical forest, this tree is in Kottiyoor. Tropical rain forests are rich and diverse with plants and animals. Human intervention is fast making the life of the forest difficult. Environmentally very sensitive forests like this are easily destroyed for the wood and animals and the precious treasures the forest encompasses within itself.

Importance of Planting Trees

Trees are one of the most beautiful creations of Nature. The size, shape, age, variety and everything a tree has is wonderful. When you see a big or old tree chances are high that it is planted by an old generation. We should be able to keep this continuity going forward for the generations to come. We have trees standing high for fifty centuries. We are lucky to see them because they are protected for ages. What are the things that we should do to carry forward this blessing. Two of the best things are Planting new Trees and protecting old ones. At a time and place when enemies galore it is very important to take active interventions for the protection of trees. If they could talk or move they would have somehow managed to escape from humans. But since they are speechless and motionless it is our duty to protect them.
Anytime of the year is apt for planting tress. If the season is rainy a simple fencing is all needed to protect a tree for sometime. Active followup is needed to ensure that the fence and sapling is okay. Watering is necessary for seasons other than rainy ones. But this idea too is good because by the time the rains come, our plant will be ready with its roots firmly on the ground to stand all by its own. So come on Let us Plant A Tree today itself. Once it is grown up you will be a proud owner of a tree. You will definitely feel proud on a future day when you see a pedestrian resting below, children playing around or a couple romancing beside. Birds sitting on it will thank you with a morning song.

Summer Solace

In North India during the Summer the outside temperature is too high to stay outside. People find solace under Neem trees which are famed for its ability to cool the surroundings. This shot is from Rajastan where the heat is the highest. This tree stands in a railway station. Indian railway protects trees than any other institution here. One can see such trees all along the railway stations.

Who plants a Tree plants....

WHAT does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants not just a tree, but....
Read the complete song here.

Spoorthivana

"35 Kms away from Bangalore city on way to Magadi, near the confluence of Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers; SPOORTHIVANA – a dream project for preserving all your cherished memories by planting saplings, has come up in 300 acres of sprawling terrains belonging Karnataka Government at TG Halli (Thippagondanahalli) reservoir catchment area. Details here
The site is worth visiting. What I like about them is the reasons they give for Tree Planting. "Just plant a tree. It evolves itself by adjusting to the changes of the nature. Gives shelter to innumerable birds, insects and animals. Absorbs poisonous gases that heat up the earth. Prevents soil erosion, preserves moisture and enriches fertility of the land. Grows as a gigantic, marvelous creation that stands as a treasure chest of your memories!".

Trees Storing Water

Trees hold water in their trunk. The amount of water stored varies from type to type.
Baobab trees can store up to 120,000 litres of water in their trunk! Depending on the season and availabilty this varies from region to region. They store this water for their need when water is not available. Another tree with high capacity to store water is Terminalia elliptica. Its very common in the Western Ghats. It has a very thick and rough skin and growing tall. This picture is taken at Kuruva Island. The swelling may be due to some disease. But I find it interesting. I like to think it as a water tank built for storing extra water.

Trees and Shade

The shade casted by trees make beautiful and marvelous designs. They change with time and season. Watching them is equivalent to watching a nice art exhibition. Surrealistic are the shades. Your imagination is your limit. Why the shade, just look up to see the pattern of this forest brings. Are these patterns made deliberately by someone above? Or is it just the magic of the trees? This picture is taken on the way to Kuruva Island. If you wish to enjoy Nature at its virgin best, don't miss the chance to visit this place. More pictures from the island soon.

Rivers and Trees

Rivers and Trees. They are synonymous. Rivers provide excellent surroundings for the growth of trees. And in return trees give rivers its attraction. Trees along river are naturally very green or evergreen. Most of them bears seeds or fruits thus supporting large bird and animal life. The roots helps to lessen the spped of the flowing water and is a haven for fish and other water-borne animals. Trees and river is a full ecosystem all by itself. This bridge is at Iritty built more than eighty years ago.

Shade of Trees

No other shade can give so cool a cover that Tree can provide. As time pass by, trees in a forest will lean towards any available opening. Since not much space left in tropical forests the most available space will be that above rivers. In time all the space above small rivers will be filled by trees that someone watching the forest from above will not notice a river flows there. The sight from the river will be the most cherishing view with lush thick green cover filling the entire river atmosphere. As the available sunlight reaching the river is less owing to the canopying of the tree shade, the water in the river will be very cool. Here's a view of a river through a forest near Nedumpoil where an ancient Vishnu temple exists.

Silhouette of a Tree

Here's the silhouette of a tree against the sky. The intrinsic patterns formed are a scene to watch. Changing instantly with the breeze, the patters formed brings various images to the mind. Hands widely spread out into the air what might be this tree asking the heaven?

Standing Below a Tree

This tree stands at the Botanical garden in Ooty . One of the several large trees in this garden, many of which are very old. We will feel humbled by the sheer size of the tree and at the same feel a kind of safety too. If such a big tree can stay here for this long without disturbances this place is a safe one. Life is protected here. You are safe. Feel the atmosphere, the ambience and coolness that surrounds this area. Those people who planted these trees are no longer exists but their spirit will be around blessing you for having been around. Keep in mind that a tree can live without you but you can not live without a tree. Please plant and protect one.

Hands Spread Out...

Hands spread out into the heaven the tree stands here asking for blessings for all those passing by. She is ready to provide shelter to all. What is the particular pray this time? Since she has no leaves, is it for speedy regaining of leaves? Or more shade for the passerby? or for flowers for the birds and bees? or for fuits to the beaten traveller? May be for all. No doubt that its for some grace that is to be given to others not fot herself. Standing here for ages she has seen many people. Rich with experience she knows its a life lived for others. Let it stand there for ages.

"The Heart Of The Tree"

WHAT does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants a friend of sun and sky;
He plants the flag of breezes free;
The shaft of beauty, towering high.
He plants a home to heaven anigh
For song and mother-croon of bird
In hushed and happy twilight heard —
The treble of heaven's harmony —
These things he plants who plants a tree.

What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants cool shade and tender rain,
And seed and bud of days to be,
And years that fade and flush again;
He plants the glory of the plain;
He plants the forest's heritage;
The harvest of a coming age;
They joy that unborn eyes shall see —
These things he plants who plants a tree.

What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants, in sap and leaf and wood,
In love of home and loyalty
And far-cast thought of civic good —
His blessing on the neighborhood
Who in the hollow of His hand
Holds all the growth of all our land —
A nation's growth from sea to sea
Stirs in his heart who plants a tree


-Henry Cuyler

Can a Forest be Grown ?

Can a forest be made? be grown? At first it might seem impossible. But with some
attention, patience and will a forest can be made. Set aside a little space in your
backyard for a forest. It may seem leaving that space free form intervention is the
best way to grow a forest. But planting a few fruit bearing trees is a better option. As the trees grow and have fruits, birds will come from various parts. They will bring seeds with them. The next rain will show new plants sprouting. In time you will be a proud owner of a mysterious, thick, green forest. Does it worth keeping aside a little space just for a forest which would not give anything in return? This question was asked to me many times by many friends. The answer depends on how you view this little forest of yours. If you like birds chirping and the sound of water falling from trees even after the rain had gone or like to sit below the shade when the air is hot, or like to see squirrels running through it with noises or a wild flower blooming suddenly after the rains it is worth the effort. Or if your place is a lot bigger you will have a small stream formed inside your forest naturally. It would be the greatest treasure you might transfer to your generations to come.