Beautiful friend, I enjoyed reading this goodness. I just made a traveling maypole from PVC pipe for my little one's homeschool co-op. One day ill get to make one from wood, maybe even hazelwood. . For now , they will dance under the ribbon, welcome the green, and ill think of your post and our intertwined histories.
Hello my dear! I LOVE that you made your own maypole! How fun for the kids, I would much rather learn about life this way than sitting at a desk. Such a blessing. Enjoy the spring and thank goodness for the green :)
It really is, putting them in water was a Hail Mary for me, and somehow they came back to life. This is my first time working with hazel so I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow!
Having also had bare root seedlings, bulbs and other treasures that lay withering in an unopened box while northern Michigan's springtime ran away with me, and/or took their time arriving, this story really resonates. And I want to say a special thanks for bringing the Polish folk traditions in. I am learning that my family hailed from Poland instead of Germany (incomplete stories leave so much room for growth and learning!). It is really special to me to get a glimpse of what our culture may be like, and what might lie buried in my blood. Wishing you a season filled with plenty, and a wonderful beginning to your sacred grove.
Hi Amy, I'm so glad you can relate hah! This is such a special season here in Michigan and it never ceases to take my breath away. Even if we don't accomplish everything, it's so wonderful just to witness the change. And yes, there can be a lot of confusion about cultural lines in Europe back then, especially with Germany as it did occupy Poland (in the form of Prussia) for many years. This German occupied region is actually where my own family came from and in some documents it is said that they actually came from Germany instead of Poland. It's all very complicated, but fascinating to learn about.
Dear Val: Thank you for this post! I know that my polish grandfather was close to the land. He was an ace mushroom hunter among other things. My daughter and I are very close to the trees. We have a giant beech that is very special. A moss-covered rock beneath.
We are firm believers in the medicinal attributes of fungi. Turkey tail is a wonder.
By the way, your woodswoman healing salve was so good at helping a pruning wound on my hand heal. Very nice.
I have wanted to plant hazelnut trees/ bushes for a while. Do you have any advice?
Hi Kathryn, glad you enjoyed the post! Ah yes, such a long tradition of mushroom hunting in the Polish woodlands. I've done some research on that practice and its absolutely fascinating how this skill that is now more of a hobby actually sustained many people throughout communist rule and the many wars that touched Poland.
It sounds like your beech is a magical tree indeed and a perfect spot for contemplating life. I have my own favorite trees I go to consult.
So happy you're liking the salve! It's a huge labor of love, but it's an absolute essential in my apothecary. I hope it serves you well.
As far as the hazel goes, it's a pretty durable species. The American hazel can be grown as a large shrub or pruned into a tree. However they are susceptible to Eastern Filbert Blight, so finding a variety that is resistant to that is useful. Other than that, as long as the roots are not planted in soggy soil and they get at least partial sunlight, they will thrive! Best of luck.
Beautiful friend, I enjoyed reading this goodness. I just made a traveling maypole from PVC pipe for my little one's homeschool co-op. One day ill get to make one from wood, maybe even hazelwood. . For now , they will dance under the ribbon, welcome the green, and ill think of your post and our intertwined histories.
Hello my dear! I LOVE that you made your own maypole! How fun for the kids, I would much rather learn about life this way than sitting at a desk. Such a blessing. Enjoy the spring and thank goodness for the green :)
What a beautiful story. It's amazing how resilient plants are. Hazels are among my favorite trees so I really enjoyed reading this one.
It really is, putting them in water was a Hail Mary for me, and somehow they came back to life. This is my first time working with hazel so I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow!
Having also had bare root seedlings, bulbs and other treasures that lay withering in an unopened box while northern Michigan's springtime ran away with me, and/or took their time arriving, this story really resonates. And I want to say a special thanks for bringing the Polish folk traditions in. I am learning that my family hailed from Poland instead of Germany (incomplete stories leave so much room for growth and learning!). It is really special to me to get a glimpse of what our culture may be like, and what might lie buried in my blood. Wishing you a season filled with plenty, and a wonderful beginning to your sacred grove.
Hi Amy, I'm so glad you can relate hah! This is such a special season here in Michigan and it never ceases to take my breath away. Even if we don't accomplish everything, it's so wonderful just to witness the change. And yes, there can be a lot of confusion about cultural lines in Europe back then, especially with Germany as it did occupy Poland (in the form of Prussia) for many years. This German occupied region is actually where my own family came from and in some documents it is said that they actually came from Germany instead of Poland. It's all very complicated, but fascinating to learn about.
Many blessings to you as well!
Dear Val: Thank you for this post! I know that my polish grandfather was close to the land. He was an ace mushroom hunter among other things. My daughter and I are very close to the trees. We have a giant beech that is very special. A moss-covered rock beneath.
We are firm believers in the medicinal attributes of fungi. Turkey tail is a wonder.
By the way, your woodswoman healing salve was so good at helping a pruning wound on my hand heal. Very nice.
I have wanted to plant hazelnut trees/ bushes for a while. Do you have any advice?
Hi Kathryn, glad you enjoyed the post! Ah yes, such a long tradition of mushroom hunting in the Polish woodlands. I've done some research on that practice and its absolutely fascinating how this skill that is now more of a hobby actually sustained many people throughout communist rule and the many wars that touched Poland.
It sounds like your beech is a magical tree indeed and a perfect spot for contemplating life. I have my own favorite trees I go to consult.
So happy you're liking the salve! It's a huge labor of love, but it's an absolute essential in my apothecary. I hope it serves you well.
As far as the hazel goes, it's a pretty durable species. The American hazel can be grown as a large shrub or pruned into a tree. However they are susceptible to Eastern Filbert Blight, so finding a variety that is resistant to that is useful. Other than that, as long as the roots are not planted in soggy soil and they get at least partial sunlight, they will thrive! Best of luck.
Thank you for your thoughtful advice!