Here we go a wandering......Seed Collecting at Lochbuie

One of my main reasons for being on the Isle of Mull was to connect to the Land. Such a different landscape to home in Ontario. I see it the most in the Trees. They have a story to tell. When I first arrived I was shown a few groves on the Croft. These groves are very important as they are nearly the only trees on the Croft. They grow together in a grove. The first one that welcomed me was an Oak Grove nestled alongside the see in a gully. It was pure magic. The second one was a birch grove also along the sea but accessible at low tide. It welcomed me one day while drumming and a surprise rain storm ensued. It provided me shelter for awhile. The third is an alder grove which is wild and free.

The most amazing thing was the wee trees that have been planted over time. When I say wee they are certainly that. It is such a harsh environment here that they are wee but mighty. Careful, loving attention has been placed upon them, from the beginnings of thought to paying attention to when the seed collecting will begin, to testing the viability of the seeds collected. Winter time is a time for preparing, planting out those seedlings that had been started in the spring.

When I arrived on the Croft my first task was to repot out the seeds that had been broadcasted in Fish boxes (a great place to grow). These are placed in polytunnels to begin their growing.

We have come full circle and the Autumn is upon us and although there isn't the colours of fall like in Ontario, the surrounding winds and the colour of the sea show us there is a change occurring.

We ventured out to Lochbuie Stone Circle

An amazing stone circle and series of fresh water and sea lochs. Two mountains (Ben Buie and ????) overseeing them with a Glen running in between. I loved walking along the Loch side amongst these trees. It has been awhile since I have been in a forest. The trees gifted us with seed.

Alder was plentiful, Oak was few (not a mast year), Hawthorn showed the ripening of her berries although it seems the birds may have enjoyed a small feast. Scots Pine. although a non-native tree in Ontario, she is at home here.

Till the next wander .......... Take care