Since we began reading together as a book club, we have read any number of books about trees. Sproutlands was perhaps the first one that emphasized humans shaping growing trees to meet construction needs. This morning I came across a truly stunning example of someone who has built a church (and event venue) out of trees. The website is filled with fascinating information, so you should read it. The photo below was copied from a 2015 article in Stuff (credited to NZ House & Garden) with the image by Ray Dixon of CloudCutterPhoto. The link to Ray’s website is no longer good; however you can still read the article here.

While one might think of this sort of work as a centuries-long effort, the arborist who established the church and grounds had a TreeSpade and a business moving large trees. According to the website, when people had trees that needed to be removed, he would give them a second chance on his property. He began planting the trees in about 2011 and sold the property in 2020. The new owners are maintaining it as an event venue and continue to work with the trees. The growth and development of the building (and several others) is amazing when you think that this has happened in the space of about a dozen years.