Sleepy Seedlings: The Bedtime Podcast with Trees

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.

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.

Welcome to Sleepy Seedlings: The Bedtime Podcast with Trees, where each episode takes you on a serene journey into the natural world. This week, we explore the graceful elm tree—a symbol of resilience, beauty, and quiet strength. From its sweeping branches and dappled shade to its deep roots steeped in mythology and history, the elm offers a sense of grounding and peace. Let the stories of its place in nature and culture guide you gently toward rest. With soothing narration, calming imagery, and fascinating insights, Sleepy Seedlings is designed to help you relax and unwind. Whether it’s the rustle of imaginary leaves, tales of ancient myths, or reflections on the interconnectedness of life, this podcast creates a tranquil space where you can pause, breathe, and drift into sleep.

In this episode of Sleepy Seedlings, we turn our attention to a flower of quiet strength and timeless beauty: the snowdrop. Blooming in the heart of winter, this delicate plant pushes through frozen ground to offer the first sign of life in a still, frosted world. Steeped in European folklore and admired for its resilience, the snowdrop has long been a symbol of hope, renewal, and the promise of brighter days to come. Join us as we explore the snowdrop’s history, its fascinating adaptations for surviving harsh winters, and its quiet role in supporting wildlife when other plants remain dormant. With soothing reflections, calming imagery, and a touch of poetry, this episode invites you to rest in the peaceful presence of the snowdrop, letting its gentle strength guide you toward a restful night.