Coming from a long line of farmers, I grew up as a nature lover, and nothing has changed. I can never seem to get enough of all of the beautiful things that nature throws at us, whether it’s the gentle warmth of a summer day, or a new-born animal, or the lull of the rain drumming on the roof of my house. However, one of my absolute favorite designs of nature is the humble tree. Trees are hugely important to our environment, as well as to our atmosphere, and they comprise an important part of the food chain whilst helping convert carbon dioxide to much-needed oxygen. Trees provide a home to all sorts of animals, whether they’re nesting birds, small mammals, or even creatures such as bugs and spiders. Not only that, but trees provide all sorts of food and sustenance that are valuable to our lives. Not only do trees provide us with a huge variety of fruits and nuts, but they’re also a source of other materials that we use in our every day lives, such as cork, rubber, and, of course, wood. And that’s not even to mention maple syrup! Trees come in an enormous array of sizes and shapes, and vary astonishingly depending on where they come from. Some of my favorites include the Moreton Bay Fig, which boasts a huge, complex array of roots that sit above the ground like dark sheets. I also love the Japanese maple, which changes from green to a spectacular red or orange as autumn hits. Other trees that I find breathtakingly beautiful are cypress trees, and the basket tree, which actually looks as though it has a woven trunk! With all that trees offer us, it’s hard not to love and appreciate them. Perhaps, the next time you’re out and about, do the cliched thing and give one a hug. I won’t tell!