Light Lens: Hey dummy, it’s cold out

by T. Touris –

Being a long time dendrophile, I recently purchased the book: The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben. Since then, I’ve tuned into these communications and I don’t think they’re hiding all that much.

The Rhododendrons outside our bedroom window are not being real subtle when their leaves curl up in the frigid temperatures. It’s quite obvious they’re saying: “If you’re smart, you’ll remain curled up under your warm quilt”.

As I stomp around our property on snowshoes, I hear spruce twigs snapping from the cold. It’s not hard to decode the message in the pops and cracks: “Really? It’s minus one degree and you’re out traipsing around in the snow? You’re dumber than the potted fern sitting in your cozy sunroom.”

The ash trees at the back of our property are a little more polite. But, as I listen to the rustling of their branches I can hear them quietly snickering about the currently out-of-commission wood stove sitting in our living room.

Who knew plants could be so cold. Maybe the winter weather makes them cranky. Hopefully they’ll snap out of it come spring, but based on what I’ve been picking up, I’m somewhat afraid to tap the maples this year.