The following story was written and told by Jerry Morris. Jerry is a Denver, Co. resident who has traveled all over the western United States walking, hiking the mountain looking at trees for most of his adult life. While under taking these adventures Jerry collected some of the finest yamadori trees in the west. He also spent thousands of hours looking for tiny growths on trees that should not be there. He would collect these witches brooms as they are called and would graft them on grafting stock. He would then distribute these “new” miniature trees to nurseries all over the world to grow and sell. He never charged a penny. He is now famous all over the world for his miniture tree introductions. Jerry is a member of the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society. Jerry once told me if he dies walking in the mountains, just leave him right where he died. You know I believed him to!

Jerry is kind caring man who treats all with kindness, respect and dignity.

I have created a new page under Bonsai Basics called Philosophy – love of wisdom and also created a special page called “Take a Walk” by Jerry Morris listed under it.

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“Take a Walk”

By

Jerry Morris

 

Where trees grow, there are magical things waiting for our eyes and ears and our intellect. So, how about a walk where trees live…….in the mountains, a park, or any wild place. Now may be the right time to get out there to listen or look for a leaf being moved by a breeze across fresh snow or see the tracks it leaves. Maybe we can measure the wind by the sound as it goes through a tree.

 

Some say trees whisper in the wind and some others are sure they don’t need wind for a friendly chat. Others, I’m told, listen for a silent tree. This seems to me to be proof that trees do communicate and it’s probably up to us to do our part.

Do you ever wonder if an apple tree knows the importance of an apple or does a Fir tree get excited at Christmas time?

 

The trees want to see you and the cliffs, canyons, and the woods want to be seen. We have some among us who claim to have heard different murmurings such as, a tree said, “You gave me stories and I gave you earth.”  This, of course, is the truth. It is what happens and soil is not all a tree gives. Trees give us food, shade, homes, comfort, enjoyment and knowledge.

 

Some people believe that man should think hard and truly understand “WHY” he is cutting down a tree. We know every tree leaves a shadow of some value and because of that shadow, we will someday unlock the memory of a very old tree. What a story will be told! Some trees are still alive and are approaching 5,000 years and somewhere inside they have many stories hiding….or maybe waiting.         Take that walk………Listen!

 

Here is another lesson from a tree. It is more of a prayer….”Please make me lucky enough to outlive the need for firewood or lumber.”

 

There are other lessons from the trees. The strongest tree in the forest is not the one that is protected from the storms or hidden from the sun. It is the tree that stands tall, out in the open where it is challenged and unafraid to struggle for its existence against the winds and scorching sun.

 

We, the trees and I, need a challenge. We all do. Trees should “live” while they are alive and so should we.

 

We should, rather, we MUST, wander near the trees. It is good for the mind. Try to communicate and use your ears, eyes, nose, and imagination. Angels whisper when we go out wandering.   Remember, all who wander may not be lost.

 

An amusing quote: If a male tree, standing alone in the forest whispers in the wind, does a female tree think he is wrong?

 

There is a magic out there in the trees wherever they are. When that seed hits the ground, there already is a plan for its life wrapped up inside and it’s not a copy, as there are no two alike.

 

It has been said that God made the tree and we wonder at it. Even a leaf does not flutter without the will of God.

 

Unite nature with good sense.

 

Take a walk in the trees!

 

Jerry Morris