Spring is officially upon us. With it comes warmer days, more sunshine, a rebirth of plants, and the start of growing season. Throughout my village, you will see countless areas of churned up dirt, a sign for future growth. Check out some of the photos below. Just like back home, the landscape is beginning to fill with all shades of green.
Above, an assortment of photos from the community and around my home. The first photo is of baby tomato plants growing that will be planted in our garden. The middle photo is of some flowers (and when they bloom, they will look so beautiful). The photo in the upper right is of a path I walk daily (unless it is rainy). And the main picture is of a beautiful tree I pass on my way to and from work. I wish the photo could fully capture its beauty.
The final photo I want to show is of these fruit trees and where the garden for my host family will be when it’s time to plant. As you can see, the trees are painted a white / slight blue-tint on the trunk. My host father recently repainted these trees using a very specific type of paint.
You see, Moldova has very fertile ground. As such, many types of fruit trees grow throughout the region. Moldovans pride themselves on natural produce. In most cases, that means they do not use sprays or pesticides on their fruits and vegetables. In order to keep the plants strong, especially the little plants, paint is used to protect the bark from an assortment of ailments. Painting the tree trunks prevents the trees from cracking and splintering, which could introduce disease, insects, and fungus. In other situations, especially when you see blue around the tree, that means copper sulfate has been used. It apparently is a great natural compound (being used as a fungicide).
Prior to Moldova, I had never seen the lower part of tree trunks painted white. Although maybe not aesthetic to some people’s eyes, to know that it helps keep trees healthy and reduces the use of pesticides, I have found a new appreciation for the painting of trees.
Do you know anyone who paints their trees? I welcome your thoughts below. And as always, enjoy a cup of joe.
A Cup of Joe in Moldova 
I remember when I first got to Moldova I was so confused about the trees! It was one of the first conversations I actually had and understood with my host mom 🙂
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When I first arrived, I was also confused. I thought maybe it was some sort of art exhibit in the village we were going through, but as more villages had trees painted like this, I began to realize it was something more. And talking with locals, I found out what it all was about. I don’t know if you had this experience, but having your first conversation where you fully understand and they fully understand you, is exhilarating!
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Absolutely! I remember we were walking home from church- although she was definitely making buzzing sounds to talk about insects. Baby steps.
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That is very interesting! It really makes since, though!
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