Renowned gardener says ‘Trees are people, too’

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Renowned gardener Mark Cullen spoke to the Uxbridge Horticultural Society at the Seniors Centre last week. Submitted photo

About 100 people showed up at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre last week to hear a talk by well-known area gardener Mark Cullen. The occasion was the regular monthly meeting of the Uxbridge Horticultural Society.

Cullen focused his talk on trees and their value to society. Claiming that "trees are people, too," Cullen opined that all plants have a form of consciousness.

Calling himself "a tree activist," Cullen said planting trees is the solution to climate change.

He said trees in urban areas are as important as fire departments, ambulances and other essential services. He emphasized that municipalities should plant trees to honour local heroes such as teachers and nurses, asking the audience: "Who are Uxbridge's heroes?"

He talked about visiting a tree called Big Lonely Doug on Vancouver Island. Doug is the second largest Douglas fir in Canada and was saved from a clear-cut operation when a logger wrapped a yellow ribbon around it with the note: "Leave tree." Doug is estimated to have started growing in 1,000 AD.

Cullen, whose parents, Len and Connie, founded the once-popular Cullen Gardens in Markham, said he belongs to an organization called Trees For Life.

"We don't just plant trees," he said, "we grow trees."

For more on the Uxbridge Horticultural Society and its activities, visit uxbridgehorticulturalsociety.com