The coast rhododendron is Washington’s state flower and while I wholeheartedly agree they are worthy of this fine distinction, it behooves me to mention the rhododendron is actually of the shrub genius, in that it is a small- to medium-sized perennial woody plant. With that said, the magnificent flower that bursts onto the forested scenes of the Pacific Northwest in the spring months leaves no question as to how these evergreens snuck their way into the state symbol’s flower category. In April and May, the hills of the Olympic Peninsula pop with pinks, reds and purples like joyful brushstrokes hiding amongst Bob Ross’s “happy little trees.” They serve as a colorful confirmation that we made it through the dark, wet, long winter months and that spring has finally sprung.
This past month, I’ve realized spending some good ol’ quality time with nature helps my brain shut out the COVID anxiety – if only for an hour or two. I’ve always agreed with the eco-psychological philosophy that spending time in nature has both mental and physical healing benefits, and I have made this belief fundamental in my life. I actually prefer the Japanese terminology of shinrin-yoku, which roughly translates to forest bathing. Instead of stepping into a bathtub to ease stress, cleanse the body and rejuvenate the soul, simply step into the trees. It’s a beautiful concept – just open your senses and dive in!
The Pacific Northwest makes it easy to find trees (and shrubs!) in which to bathe and I find I am more grateful now for these purifying plants in the age of COVID. I’ve made it a habit to get outside after the workday – as little or as much as I can. Last week, as I lightly jogged down a local trail, I saw the tallest rhododendron I’ve ever seen. My research into this flowering shrub informed me they could reach a height of 25 feet… and this one might have been doing just that! It was a deep red so beautiful that I had to stop and splish splash in my forest bath. This king of shrubs (an actual nickname for rhododendrons!) was so impressive, I had to take a picture. I couldn’t capture the brilliance of the scarlet flowers from far away, so I got closer. Just as I stooped down to snap the shot, Moxie decided she, too, wanted to take a little bath. She got right up to the flower and took a sniff. Click!
I laughed throughout the rest of my forest-filled bath as I quipped that Moxie “stopped to smell the rhodies.” How clever! I thought and congratulated myself on my wit and wordplay. The comedic photoshoot reminded me of the annual Rhody Fest here in Port Townsend. It’s always in May for ultimate appreciation of the festival’s namesake, but with most events canceled through summer I assumed it would be as well. Once home, I went to their website and was shocked to learn this year would have been the 85th annual. As I scrolled down, I was also shocked to learn that this year’s theme was “Stop and Smell the Rhodies.”
I might not be as witty as I thought, but I will continue to clean my mind, body and soul in these beautiful forests amongst these spectacular shrubs.
