CraigBILL

When you think of forests, the broad-leafed leaves and thick trunks of deciduous or coniferous tree expanses come to mind. The bamboo tree has forests entirely of their own - tall slendor green trunks and thin leaves. To sit among these forests it is easy to feel a particular peace or zen. The basking soft green light filters through the dense canopy of soaring leaves above. This dance of light, color, and shadow go on all day changing the forest mood hour by hour.

Bamboos are some of the fastest growing plants in the world. They are capable of growing 39 in. or more per day due to a unique rhizome-dependent system. However, the growth rate is dependent on local soil and climatic conditions.

“Jade” is one of two bamboo forest images of this particular grove of trees. The other is “Solstice” that shows the trees from a totally different angle. “Jade” captivates the minty green glow of the mid-day sun. One of the great things about this grove is that I have the opportunity to go back easily.