Sleepy Seedlings: The Bedtime Podcast with Trees

This week on Sleepy Seedlings, we rest beneath the soft, blushing branches of the Unconventional Judas Tree—Cercis siliquastrum. Known for its early spring blossoms that bloom before the leaves, this quietly striking tree carries with it stories of sorrow, beauty, and quiet transformation. From ancient legends to gentle science, we’ll explore the myths that gave the tree its name, the wonder of its heart-shaped leaves, and the rare way it flowers directly from its trunk. Through poetic reflection, soft narration, and soothing natural imagery, this episode is a gentle invitation to pause. To breathe. To find stillness beneath a tree that blooms not in spite of its history, but because of it. Settle in, let the petals fall around you, and drift off to sleep beneath the blossoms of the Judas Tree.

Take a barefoot walk through the spring dunes of Northern Europe in this peaceful episode of Sleepy Seedlings. As the sea hums softly in the distance and the grasses sway in the breeze, we spend time with the quiet guardian of the coast: marram grass. From its silvery blades to its deep, anchoring roots, this resilient plant shapes the land beneath our feet, holding the sand in place and whispering stories of wind and water. Along the way, we explore the science and wonder of how beaches form, the ancient relationship between people and dunes, and the calming poetry of Bliss Carman. Let this gentle stroll lull you into rest, as we listen to the rhythms of the sea-blown marram and the hush of the shifting shore.

Tonight, we rest in the quiet embrace of the Myrtle Tree—an evergreen beloved by goddesses, poets, and lovers across the centuries. With her glossy green leaves and fragrant white blossoms, the myrtle has long stood as a symbol of sacred femininity, devotion, and quiet strength. Together, we’ll drift through myth and memory, from ancient wedding garlands to moonlit groves where the whispers of Aphrodite linger in the air. Let the soft rustle of leaves and the warmth of timeless stories guide you toward sleep. Through poetry, gentle science, and dreamlike imagery, this episode offers a tranquil escape into the world of the myrtle—a tree that invites us to love gently, to live presently, and to rest deeply.

In this soothing episode of Sleepy Seedlings, we journey to the dry forests of South America, where the mystical Palo Santo tree stands in quiet patience. Known as “holy wood”, its true gift is revealed only after it has fallen, resting for years before releasing its warm, resinous fragrance. For centuries, its sacred smoke has drifted through ceremonies of healing and renewal, carrying with it whispers of transformation, patience, and the unseen rhythms of time. As the night settles in, let the gentle scent of Palo Santo be a reminder—to slow down, to trust in nature’s quiet unfolding, and to embrace the beauty of rest. With soft storytelling, ancient wisdom, and the hush of the trees, this episode will guide you into deep relaxation, where endings become beginnings and peace lingers like a fading ember in the night. Breathe in, let go, and drift into sleep.

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. 🌿✨