Forests

Forests

When one thinks about forests, it is often with the image of green life and a vivid environment. On one continent, forests will sleep most of the year, for months life will be silent and covered with snow. Only their appreciation for changes coming in spring and the undergrowth of forests can reach its peak. Thinking about seasons awakens memories our mind created by observing these marvelous changes over time, as we grow up. We have memories of sounds, smell, and taste. There is no place for nostalgia because these forests still exist and we can visit them but for how much longer is another question.

The undergrowth of forests is the first to react to any change in temperature. Snow will start to fade away but before that, first macrofungi or fruiting bodies of mushrooms will be visible, followed by snowdrops. Everywhere clusters of snowdrops as the first signs of forests and meadows waking up.  Male katkin appear on the branches of hazel. Even if there is still snow at many shadow places in the forest, arriving of Hazel is the first true sign of spring and a trigger for many animals to come out from their borrows. Birds are the first. Their loud signing warms up the soul of every living creature and stays with us forever as an indication of the awakening of life. 

Harbecius plants are those we see most, but not to forget shrubs and bryophytes. All of them thrive on the rich layer left by fallen leaves in the previous season of Autumn. Shades of alluvial forests and hornbeams will soon present us with beautiful creations of snowdrop flowers. The acidity of the soil will very much influence the growth of different plant species in European forests.  Flowering fields are a common image right after the snow is melted. All of a sudden, we hear mating sounds of animals raring among anemones. Forests become green and leafy in a matter of weeks. Flowering on trees appears often before leaves. Mating season can start, just when there is enough food to support all creatures. Hedgehogs and frogs are easiest to see along with butterflies and ants. The importance of ants is underappreciated. Only recently it has been discovered what an amazing effect their activity has on forests' wellbeing. With over 100 different species of ants and their diverse activities in forests, they are now considered their protectors. One of their roles is cleaning trees of parasites. 

May and June bring us the first fruits. Their taste stays forever with us, especially when we are kids and our taste buds are unspoiled. 

I will forever remember the little baskets he made for me from tree bark and filled with little forest strawberries. For years I kept those baskets and even when he passed away, years later they kept this mesmerizing aroma...