Day 19: Connecting with nature to improve my wellbeing in the dark days of winter by observing the leaf hairs on lemon balm

The best way to connect with nature when you are exhausted

The temperature has dropped. I have had two nights of poor sleep. I was exhausted and have a load of work to do before tomorrow evening. I was exhausted and did not feel like going outside. But, I made myself because I knew it would make me feel better. This is going to be brief because I still need to crack on with work. I wrapped up warm, there was a cold wind. I took my torch and looked around the garden. The drop in temperature meant there was not a lot of invertebrate life out and about. The odd slug, and that was about it.

Lemon Balm Leaf Hair Look Amazing In Torch Light

I could not focus, as I was worried about all the work I had to do. Then, I remembered that I love to sit on my bench and watch the lemon balm. So, that is what I did. I sat on the bench the cold wind blowing around me and observed the leaves of the lemon balm very carefully. I could see the leaf hairs (Trichomes) sparkling in the torch light. The hairs looked amazing. There were also hairs on the stem. I have seen these before, but when you are out in the dark shining a light on the leaves – the hairs looked ethereal almost magical.

Why do leaves have leaf hairs?

Many, many species of plants have leaf hairs. The leaf hairs are there to prevent moisture loss and to stop insects eating them. The lemon balm is a mediterranean plant so its’ trichomes are more visible as they play a role in stopping water loss in the hot climate.

Joy in the tiny things

Desipite being very tired this evening, I was lost in the moment looking at those tiny hairs. If you a struggling with the winter blues – give getting outside in nature a go – and give yourself a boost.