Thanks for a thoughtful and interesting exploration of a part of the Florida landscape that sort of seemed artificial to me growing up. I just double checked and the sabal palmetto's natural range doesn't include the part of the panhandle where I grew up. It is there now, I think both for some cultivation of its heart and also because it is associated with the state and planted to make it seem, I guess, like Florida for tourists. But I always found that the sabal palmetto seemed a bit out of place, planted as it was for decoration. I'll have to make a trip to see our state "tree" in its natural environment!
What a good description of the tree life around and it's good to learn about the various palms and their backgrounds. In the essay you used the word dispirit and I wondered if you would prefer disrupt, although I do understand the use of dispirit there.
The Ancients Among Us
Beautifully written and insightful essay. Reminded me so much of the best of Annie Dillard with its humanistic approach to nature.
Thanks for a thoughtful and interesting exploration of a part of the Florida landscape that sort of seemed artificial to me growing up. I just double checked and the sabal palmetto's natural range doesn't include the part of the panhandle where I grew up. It is there now, I think both for some cultivation of its heart and also because it is associated with the state and planted to make it seem, I guess, like Florida for tourists. But I always found that the sabal palmetto seemed a bit out of place, planted as it was for decoration. I'll have to make a trip to see our state "tree" in its natural environment!
What a good description of the tree life around and it's good to learn about the various palms and their backgrounds. In the essay you used the word dispirit and I wondered if you would prefer disrupt, although I do understand the use of dispirit there.
It’s magical and fascinating as all your writing is. Keep up the good work 💚
Wonderful as always 💚💚💚
Very interesting... there's always so much complexity out there... right under (or way above, in this case) our noses. Thank you!