There is a special relationship in our forest at Kumari of the Woods between the two most prevalent trees:  the beech and the hemlock.  When you walk in our forest you will weave in and out of these two majestic beauties, each with clearly different barks and branches.

Both trees are known for their strength and their quiet perseverance.

In the past the Eastern hemlock oils have been used for tanning leather.  Its special quality is its patience and its determination.  The hemlock often buries its roots in rocks and we see that happening in Kumari of the Woods throughout the trails where huge stones sit held in a quiet strength by the roots of the hemlock.  It looks like large hands holding the stones in place.

Often the hemlock branches and needles block out the sun where other seedlings try to grow and thrive but without much space and with the force of the hemlock, those other trees cannot thrive.  With one exception:  the beech.

The American beech loves shade so the mighty hemlock’s overbearing presence does not bother it.  Somehow, I think, they speak a similar language where the hemlock agrees to co-exist and even without much sunlight, the beech thrives next to the mighty hemlock. It seems as though they were made for a relationship together.  

The beech has grey bark that sits in contrast to the hemlock’s dark prickly branches.  As you walk through Kumari of the Woods the singular way these two trees co-exist reminds us of the way nature has its own plan.  There is a cycle of survival and a beauty to the untouched natural world.  

As you walk our trails you will be struck by the way nature exceeds all expectations yet it surrounds you in such simplicity that you may find emotions heightened and deep reflections on your life, your grief, your joys, your passages forward all surfacing in a way that nurtures you.

Walking through our forest at Kumari of the Woods is about self-healing.  Just as the hemlock and beech will hold you in your forested walk, our stones and open areas where you can sit, will support your rest.  

Sit and reflect.

Sit and cry.

Sit and journal.

And always sit and listen.  You will hear the whispers of the hemlock and beech as the wind taps their branches closer to their trunks.  You will witness the colors of leaves falling this time of the year and in your winter stays at Kumari of the Woods you will see the snow touching these trees like soft cotton.

Bring your sense of mystery and awe to our forest.  You will be met with the magic of the land and the friendship of survival and strength within the story of two best friends, the hemlock and beech, holding each other in Kumari of the Woods.

kumari patricia and ben