While wandering through Selby Orchid Gardens in Sarasota, Florida on Mother’s Day, I came across a small path. One of the nice things about Selby Gardens is that you can wander aimlessly through many of the garden paths and still discover something you’ve missed on another visit.

This ‘Hugging Tree’ is a good example of that. I’ve been to these orchids gardens more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. It has peaceful benches under trees where one can sit and quietly contemplate. Strolling through one of these paths, I came across this very big tree with this sign on it. I stopped and read what the sign was saying about it’s meaning.

It read:
Have you ever loved something so much that you gave it a big hug? Well, there are certain plants who love trees so much they hug them.

Epiphytes LOVE trees.
Sometimes they are called ‘air plants’ because they grow above the ground. Their roots help them hug the love of their lives (often trees).

Give this tree a hug just like an epiphyte.
Ep-i-phyte (ep-uh-fahyt)
Now trying saying it all together: Epiphyte

Note the small feathery plants just above the sign – air plants or epiphytes.

This video was an experiment in various countries and in the US. It captures the reaction of people who are being offered a ‘Free Hug’ . They seem suspicious and are hesitant to accept one. Yet, notice the faces of exuberance on the ones who do accept the free hug … pure JOY!!!! 😃

As someone who loves to give hugs to everyone I meet – despite their being taken back a little by it – I am forever in their memories because I dared to expose my heart to them and share my gentle spirit.

HUGS TO YOU TODAY !!!!! 😍

 

Each week, Frizz, at Flickr Comments is walking us through the A – Z alphabet. This week is the ‘Letter H’ – to join in the fun ….