While the Amazonian forest, a veritable carbon sink and reservoir of biodiversity on our planet, is being destroyed by the leaders of Brazil, fortunately, moreover, awareness of the importance of trees and forests against climate change continues to grow. Thus, books that highlight trees are flourishing in bookstores and some are fascinating.
Trees, under the direction of Serge Schall
The end of year celebrations are approaching, so here is what we call a beautiful book that pleases to offer: trees, “All knowledge, all stories, all powers, all hopes”. A rich book that approaches trees from all angles, over nearly 300 pages, with an eye that is scientific, technical, legal, historical, economic, cultural, etc. depending on the dimension addressed: ecology, botany, history, economy, society, science, literature, travel, art, cuisine, etc.
Never boring, this book can be read easily according to the desires and the time available, thanks to short articles and rich illustrations which make it possible to understand remarks which, a priori, would seem abstruse to us. Those who have thrilled their taste buds with a tonka bean pastry flan will discover where they come from, those puzzled by sylvotherapy will better understand this recent craze, but those who are already aware of the threats hanging over forests tropical forests and who are seduced by Francis Hallé’s European primary forest project will also find something to satisfy their erudition!
This book brings everyone, whatever their involvement and level of knowledge, with more than 160 topics that range from the most futile to the most crucial for humanity.
Trees is a collective work, directed by Serge Schalleditor and author specializing in gardening and plants, with the collaboration of Christine Armengaud, ethnologist, Florence Thinard, writer, Wageningen University in the Netherlands, illustrators, etc.
(Co-edition Carrot Feather and Living Earth – 288 pages – October 25, 2022 – €39)
Trees for the future by Yves Darricau
It is also a big book, Trees for the future, but which is both more technical and more pragmatic. Indeed, almost every day, news headlines report climatic or meteorological disasters that are devastating for the environment. In this context, as everyone had the bitter experience this summer of 2022 with water restrictions, there is no longer any question of watering without counting plantations which are no longer – and will be even less so tomorrow – adapted to the changing climate.
To precisely deal with climate change which is undermining biodiversity, tree planting is one of the solutions. However, for this investment not to be a failure, and for it to achieve its objectives, it is urgent to plant trees…yes, but not just any trees, we will have to choose among those that are best suited to the coming time, like the chestnut tree of Seguin (Castanea seguinii) or strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) For example.
Starting from a historical approach to our secular link to trees, and their history on our territory, from the last glaciation to the beginnings of companionship with man, passing through the figures of the great adventurous botanists, Yves Darricau recommends a selection ofaround fifty species to be planted by 2050 ranging from common underused plants to horticultural creations with rich potential, passing through recently introduced species to acclimatise. Your landscaping approach will therefore be invited to cling to the branches of the traveling history of the trees!
Yves Darricau is an agricultural engineer, consultant, beekeeper and tree planter. He has already published other works.
(Editions du Rouergue – 288 pages – October 19, 2022 – €35)
Written by Nathalie on 25/10/2022