Sleepy Seedlings: The Bedtime Podcast with Trees

Drift into a world of warmth and wonder as we explore the cinnamon tree—an ancient gift of spice and scent, wrapped in myth and history. From the lush groves where its golden bark is carefully gathered to the centuries of trade, tradition, and legend that have carried its fragrance across the world, the cinnamon tree is a quiet link between past and present, earth and sky, waking and dreaming. In this soothing episode of Sleepy Seedlings, we’ll wander through the tree’s history, its gentle presence in nature, and the science behind its comforting aroma. As the night deepens, we’ll listen to a lullaby by Sarojini Naidu, drifting into sleep with the soft rustle of cinnamon leaves and the hush of distant fireflies. Let the warmth of spice and story wrap around you like a gentle embrace, guiding you towards rest.

The crabapple tree may be small, but it holds a quiet kind of magic. From its delicate spring blossoms to its jewel-like autumn fruit, it has been a tree of love, mystery, and quiet resilience for centuries. In ancient folklore, its seeds were tossed into the fire to reveal the truth of the heart, while its roots—unseen beneath the soil—continue to shape the apples we know today. A symbol of nature’s hidden wonders, the crabapple reminds us that even the smallest things can hold deep meaning. In this soothing episode of Sleepy Seedlings, we journey through the seasons with the crabapple tree, exploring its history, mythology, and quiet role in the natural world. As we reflect on its enduring presence, we are reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s words: "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads". Settle in, slow your breath, and let the magic of the humble crabapple guide you into restful sleep.

Sunflowers stand tall, their golden faces turned toward the sky, following the light even as the winds blow. In this episode of Sleepy Seedlings, we wander through endless fields of sunflowers, exploring their quiet resilience and deep-rooted symbolism. From their ability to heal the earth to their presence in folklore and art, the sunflower is more than just a flower—it is a testament to endurance, hope, and the gentle strength found in nature. Three years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we reflect on the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people through "Wings", a poem by the beloved Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko. It reminds us that even though we cannot fly, we all have something that lifts us—whether love, hope, kindness, or dreams. Like the sunflower standing firm through storms, Ukraine continues to persevere, turning always toward the light. So, settle in, let the warmth of the sunflowers surround you, and rest in the quiet promise of a new day.Слава Україні.

The Japanese Apricot, or ume, is a quiet harbinger of spring, its delicate pink and white blossoms unfurling even as winter still holds the world in its grasp. In Japan, this tree is deeply cherished—not just for its beauty, but for its symbolism of resilience, intellect, and renewal. In this episode, we drift through the history and mythology of the ume, including the poignant tale of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar-poet whose exile gave rise to legend and devotion. As we breathe in the soft fragrance of its petals and listen to the hush of a late-winter garden, let the gentle presence of the ume guide you into stillness, relaxation, and sleep.

As winter lingers and the earth remains quiet beneath its frosted blanket, a small yet determined bloom emerges—the crocus, one of nature’s first whispers of spring. Delicate but resilient, this tiny flower knows when to work and when to rest, unfurling its petals in the morning light and gently closing as dusk falls. In this soothing episode, we explore the crocus’s quiet wisdom, from its place in ancient myths to its remarkable ability to sense the changing seasons. Let the gentle rhythm of the crocus guide you into rest. Through soft storytelling, poetic imagery, and peaceful reflection, we invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and trust in nature’s quiet cycles. Just as the crocus knows the light will return, you too can let go, settle into stillness, and drift into sleep. 🌿✨

In this week’s episode of 'Sleepy Seedlings: The Bedtime Podcast with Trees', we explore the quiet beauty and rare charm of the domestic service tree. Known as one of Britain’s hidden treasures, this resilient and long-lived tree has stood the test of time, its deeply furrowed bark and graceful branches telling a story of centuries past. Once prized for its unusual fruit, known as “chequers”, the service tree holds a unique place in rural traditions, where its fruit was used to craft rustic drinks and its fine-grained wood was cherished for its strength. Join me as we delve into the history, folklore, and botany of this fascinating tree, imagining its presence in the wintery landscape and the life it sustains. From its roots in ancient woodlands to its symbolic ties to patience and endurance, the service tree offers a tranquil reminder of nature’s quiet wisdom. Let its story guide you into restful calm as we reflect on the beauty of stillness and the treasures hidden in the natural world.