The first episode of the podcast’s relaunch! We’re calling it Season 2 and we begin at the root, or roots—literally and metaphorically. Returning to one’s roots or to begin again in a career, creative pursuit, a new place to live, or in life can often feel like a setback, but we explore how the plant structure can offer some insight in reframing this point of view.
ROOT SYSTEMS
When thinking about roots, what’s the image that comes in mind? For many of us, it probably looks similar, but it turns out that there’s a lot of diversity in how a plant’s roots look, how they grow, and all that they can provide for the stem, truck, leaves, or flower. There are roots that don’t even need to be in soil to thrive and help circulate nutrients throughout the rest of the plant.
For a deeper dive into the varying types of roots, including the tree that holds the record for the deepest roots, follow these links:
Lowvelder. Fig Tree at Caves Penned Down in Guinness Book of Records
Harvard University SITN. Exploring the Underground Network of Trees - The Nervous Systems of the Forest
Rapidleaks. Which Tree Has the Deepest Roots in the World?
In addition, this article offers a thorough explanation of the many types of roots, a root system’s physiological function, and the anatomy of roots:
Happy DIY Home. 26 Types of Roots Your Trees, Flowers, and Shrubs Can Have
GETTING TO THE ROOT OF A ROOT
Maybe because we don’t see roots day to day, we don’t realize how much they turn up in our language, our history, and our pop culture. We seem to take them for granted and regard them with near reverence all at once. And what better way to see this dichotomy than with the stories that have been passed down through the ages.
For a glimpse at how roots have crept into our collective psyche, check out these links:
Buzzfeed. The Most Disturbing Moments in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ actually Aren’t Supernatural
BUILDING ROOTS
Not only do roots appear in our horror movies or folklore, but they find their way into the job of the florist and the writer. Key tools and techniques of each trade are intended to build a framework or structure that can hold a floral arrangement or a piece of writing—just as a root system can hold a tree or flower.
Martha Stewart. What is a Flower Frog? Learn How to Use Them in Arrangements and Why They’re Collectible Today
Hearth & Vine. Flower Frogs - What are They, and Why You Want Them
This episode was researched, written and produced by Allison B. Young Music by enrique27naveda from Pixabay
Gathered: Storied Botanicals is a monthly podcast. New episodes are released on the third Friday of the month, so tune in to wherever you like to listen. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please consider rating the show on Apple Podcasts and leaving a review. It’s the best way to get the word out. You can also follow along with other WORDS, FLOWERS, and ART projects through this website and @gathered_storiedbotanicals on Instagram if you’d like more flowers in your life. I hope you’ll tune in next time. Thank you for listening!
