The planting season is officially over: each root has found its new home. The children of the organization “Des enfants et des arbres” were part of this wonderful adventure. Thanks also to the farmers who welcomed us, from Léa Charras and Ute Zwanzig in Hérault region to Bérangère Demeautis, Sabrina Serres and the Baffignac barn in Tarn region!
In all, five planting projects took place under a warm winter’s sun. Planting trees is a real art, but when it’s shared by dozens of little hands, it quickly becomes child’s play and a joyful competition to see who can plant the most. Admittedly, the hardest part is often digging in ground that is sometimes frozen, or full of stones and wheatgrass roots. But the general motivation remained intact, and no hole was spared by our shovels, picks and spades.
The days began with a short explanation of the correct way to plant a tree: soak the roots in pralinage, place them in the hole about forty centimeters deep, cover them carefully with soil, then mulch and sometimes a little fence to protect the young plants. These moments were also an opportunity to discover and learn the names of the trees to better appreciate what grows in our fields. It was easier to remember common fruit species, such as pear, plum and quince, than less familiar varieties, such as Judas tree, alder and dogwood. Fortunately, Théophile and Lucille were on hand to answer all the children’s questions.
At the end of each day, the children left (sometimes on foot) with almost as much energy as when they arrived, and a monumental amount of work accomplished. The pride of seeing all these trees in place, ready to grow, was evident on all their faces.
The planting season is officially over: each root has found its new home. The children of the organization “Des enfants et des arbres” were part of this wonderful adventure. Thanks also to the farmers who welcomed us, from Léa Charras and Ute Zwanzig in Hérault region to Bérangère Demeautis, Sabrina Serres and the Baffignac barn in Tarn region!
In all, five planting projects took place under a warm winter’s sun. Planting trees is a real art, but when it’s shared by dozens of little hands, it quickly becomes child’s play and a joyful competition to see who can plant the most. Admittedly, the hardest part is often digging in ground that is sometimes frozen, or full of stones and wheatgrass roots. But the general motivation remained intact, and no hole was spared by our shovels, picks and spades.
The days began with a short explanation of the correct way to plant a tree: soak the roots in pralinage, place them in the hole about forty centimeters deep, cover them carefully with soil, then mulch and sometimes a little fence to protect the young plants. These moments were also an opportunity to discover and learn the names of the trees to better appreciate what grows in our fields. It was easier to remember common fruit species, such as pear, plum and quince, than less familiar varieties, such as Judas tree, alder and dogwood. Fortunately, Théophile and Lucille were on hand to answer all the children’s questions.
At the end of each day, the children left (sometimes on foot) with almost as much energy as when they arrived, and a monumental amount of work accomplished. The pride of seeing all these trees in place, ready to grow, was evident on all their faces.
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What is your impact on forests?
What is your impact on forests?