Green on Green

A recent visit to Whirinaki forest has highlighted yet again the beauty of the New Zealand forest and the multitude of senses enlivened by the array of gorgeous green which is the predominant palette of our (and indeed any) forest environment.  I am reminded of a quote whose author escapes me at present, but it provides a wonderful description of how the green of the forest can be all -pervading and enveloping.

"The green of the forest becomes ingrained.  It seeps into your skin and saturates the retinas of your eyes... it is almost as if you become a part of the forest chlorophyll itself".

Whirinaki forest is a place i've been wanting to visit since I was a teenager, when the illustrious David Bellamy visited NZ and championed the cause to save the forest from logging.  I still remember the controversy at the time - economic livelihood and jobs vs intrinsic values.  I must say that I was not disappointed and the place was as awe-inspiring as I had always imaged.  I have to admit to being very pleased that I can still stand in the shadow of the tall Kahikatea giants and know that many generations after me will hopefully have the same sensory opportunities to explore.

I always find our NZ native forest plants to be a never-ending source of inspiration for design.  Epiphytes inspiring a green wall - as this link to my own green wall creation illustrates.  Or the natural tapestry of plant mixes inspiring a revegetation planting.  When in the forest I tune in to not only visual observation, but also with a sensitivity towards sounds, scents, textures and flavours, all of which combine to create the overall experience of sensory opulence.