It's National Tree Day! Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event. It's a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.
So nature-ally, I'm here to help you celebrate the wonderful world of trees! Get ready to spruce up your knowledge of trees and branch out with great nonfiction, fiction, gifts and games that'll have you pining for more. (Sorry if my puns get a little a-corny, I'm just very frond of trees!)
The Natural Gardener
Richard Unsworth, photography by Nicholas Watt
At the root of it, National Tree Day is about getting out and planting some trees! So I'm starting off with a book full of advice and inspiration for wildening your garden, from garden designer and writer, Richard Unsworth.
Recently there has been a shift away from clean lines and perfectly trimmed hedges to more naturalistic plantings: the new natural garden is considered and curated, taking its cues from the surrounding landscape. Part aspirational and part practical, The Natural Gardener explores what constitutes a ‘natural’ garden, and how to work with species that are sympathetic for the Australian environment.
Natural gardens not your thing? Or just hungry fir more? Browse acres of gardening books here.
The Great Tree Story
Levison Wood
I may be going out on a limb here, but there is no one I would trust more to teach me about trees, than someone who's last name is Wood. I could leaf it there... but just in case, let me tell you more about our author, Levison Wood. Known as Britain's best-loved adventurer, Wood has spent a lifetime exploring wild places and witnessing environmental challenges and conservation efforts around the world.
In The Great Tree Story, Wood delves into the incredible world of forests and explores the profound influence they have had on our planet and civilisation. He contemplates the future of forests, emphasising the importance of collective action and individual responsibility in preserving these vital ecosystems.
The Power of Trees
Peter Wohlleben
If you're a tree lover, you'll be glad to know that, even if humans destroy the planet, trees will be oak-ay. Just like they always have been; after ice ages, catastrophic fires, destructive storms and deforestation, trees have always returned.
The Power of Trees is as fascinating and eye-opening as it is trenchant in its critique – on the one hand, Wohlleben shares astonishing discoveries about how trees pass knowledge down to succeeding generations that help them survive climate change; on the other, he is unsparing in his criticism of those who wield economic and political power.
Our reviewer said: 'Like all Wohlleben’s work, The Power of Trees is highly readable, brimming with solid research, and a passionate endorsement of the importance of forests for humanity and the planet.'
Cronin’s Key Guide to Australian Trees
Leonard Cronin
I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it difficult to recognise what plants and trees are native to our beautiful country and not introduced to us! And I often forget how important it is to protect our native flora and fauna. So it's a re-leaf to know Cronin's Key Guide to Australian Trees exists!
Written by bioligist Leonard Cronin, Cronin's Key Guide to Australian Trees is an essential guide to our unique and fascinating trees. each tree is beautifully illustrated and described in detail in clear, concise language and there are distribution maps for every species. To make identification fast and simple, there is also a unique, easy-to-use visual key.
The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession
Amy Stewart
So you think YOU love trees! Think again, because Amy Stewart is about to introduce you to a community of tree collectors who will give you a run for your tree-loving money!
In The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession – a slyly humorous, informative, often poignant volume – Stewart tells fifty captivating stories of people who spend their lives in pursuit of rare and wonderful trees. With Stewart's own watercolour portraits of these extraordinary people and their trees, this book is a stunning tribute to a devoted group of nature lovers making their lives – and the world – more beautiful, one tree at a time.
Arborescence
Rhett Davis
Do you love trees so much you wish you WERE a tree? Some might say you're bark-ing mad! But Rhett Davis has your back with his compelling new novel.
Caelyn is looking for something more, but isn't sure what. One day she finds a group in a forest who believe that if they stand still for long enough, they will become trees. And then she discovers another … The idea is spreading. Soon, people go missing and trees appear in unlikely places. Is it really possible?
The dream, right? Arborescence is a deeply moving novel about connection and disconnection, ambition and apathy, loss and hope, and how we don't always know what we have until the damage is done.
Due for publication on 30 July.
Tree Houses. 45th Ed.
Philip Jodidio
Not so sure about becoming a tree? How about living in a tree instead? Let Philip Jodidio take you on a whimsical tour of 48 of the finest and most enchanting tree houses around the world.
From romantic to contemporary, from famed architects to little-known craftsmen, you'll scale the heights to visit all manner of treetop structures, from a teahouse, restaurant, hotel, and children's playhouse to simple perches from which to contemplate life, enjoy the view, and discover that tree houses take as many forms as the imagination can offer. With an abundance of gorgeous photographs and illustrations, this is an ode to alternative living, where playful imagination meets eco-sensitive finesse.
The Magic Faraway Tree Collection
Enid Blyton
Speaking of living in a tree! I couldn't write a blog about trees without including my absolute favourite book series from my youth!
When Joe, Beth and Frannie have just moved to the countryside, they discover that their new house lies next to the Enchanted Wood! And in that wood stands the Magic Faraway Tree. This is no ordinary tree – it is home to magical lands full of elves, pixies, talking creatures and more wonderful adventures than the children ever imagined possible!
Treasury of Folklore: Woodlands and Forests
Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham
Fairytales would be far less magical and a whole lot less creepy if they weren't set in forests. This collection of myths, tales and traditions focus on stories set in woodlands and forests from around the world.
From the dark, gnarled woodlands of the north, to the humid jungles of southern lands, trees have captured humanity’s imagination for millennia. Filled with primal gods and goddesses, dryads and the fairytales of old, the forests still beckon to us, offering sanctuary, mystery and more than a little mischievous trickery. From insatiable cannibalistic children hewn from logs, to lumberjack lore, and the spine-chilling legend of Bloody Mary, there is much to be found between the branches. Come into the trees – witches, seductive spirits and big, bad wolves await you.
Around the World In 50 Trees Jigsaw Puzzle
Johnathan Drori, illustrated by Lucille Clerc
Are you really a tree lover if you haven't completed at least one tree puzzle? Feeling attacked? Well you better get your hands on this puzzle! Get ready for hours of leafy fun with this 1000 piece puzzle that allows you to travel around the world to discover 50 trees, all from the comfort of your own home.
With text written by tree expert Jonathan Drori CBE and stunning artwork by Lucille Clerc, piece together this living, breathing world of trees and fill the gaps in your knowledge as you go with a comprehensive poster guide.
Tree Bingo
Are you stumped for ideas to keep the whole family entertained? Tree Bingo is here to guaran-tree the whole family a night of endless fun!
Get read to play and learn with Tree Bingo. The board game features 64 of the world's best loved and fascinating trees, and comes with a leaflet with interesting information and quirky facts for all the trees featured in the game. Learn about familiar trees such as the chestnut, oak, magnolia, and ash, as well as lesser known species like the blue quandong and dragon's blood. Perfect for nature or conservation lovers of all ages!
Aboriginal Scented Rainforest Candle Tin
Close your eyes and imagine you're standing in a crisp green forest, where moss covers trees and leaves crunch underfoot. You can hear the sounds of rustling as little creatures forage for food. Somewhere above, a kookaburra sings. Can you imagine what that forest smells like? (Is this too sappy?)
Well with this gorgeous, natural soy wax candle, you won't have to imagine. Recreate the smell of Australia's lush rainforests in your home with the Aboriginal Rainforest Scented Candle Tin. Proudly crafted in Australia and infused with the authentic scents of the rainforest. The beautiful, re-usable tin features artwork from Jacinta-rai Ridgeway-Maahs, a contemporary First Nations Artist who, like her ancestors, tells stories through art.
