As a designer, I counsel people all the time about the long-term growth of a plant, but in reality, I plan to achieve most of their goals somewhere in the 5-year time frame.  The reality of residential design is that people don’t have the patience or space for things that get really big (over a long period of time), nor is there a strong attitude of reverence for age and precedence.  When I have an opportunity to plant something with the potential for greater longevity and genuine long-term impact on the the landscape, I really feel the weight of added responsibility.

It is because of this that I find really old plants remarkable (and that, simply, really old plants are just amazingly cool).  Rachel Sussman clearly has a similar reverence, she is the photographer that created these images (and more).  She is in the process of photographing the world’s oldest living specimens  — and the results are fascinating.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to plant a redwood tree – it was the perfect place on a great property where it will have everything it needs to someday grow to amazing heights.  These pictures remind me of the excitement of that moment- knowing that something beautiful on this planet – that I was responsible for – will persist long past my own time here.

It is worth a visit to Rachel’s website to see the images that she has gathered from all over the world.  I am inspired to make travel arrangements with ports of call at some of these amazing specimens.  How do these inspire you?
And I almost forgot to mention that you can join Rachel (via her blog) as she travels the world to take these fantastic images.  It’s an incredible armchair travel bargain.

More posts about time, plants, and landscapes:

• Before & After: Christopher & Rachel’s Amazing Backyard Makeover
• The Bohemian Chef’s London Garden – 9 Container Ideas for Growing Christmas Dinner on a Ledge.
• I think I’ve figured out how to slow down time
• supertrees, messed up time and hairdryer popcorn
• January and New Beginnings