The orchard sat atop a low hill, where the morning fog lingered longer than anywhere else in the valley. Its trees were neither perfectly aligned nor evenly spaced. They grew as if guided by gentle hands that preferred curves to straight lines. Fantasy lived here quietly—leaves seemed to hum when touched, and the air smelled of fresh rain even on dry days.
I arrived just as the sun tipped over the ridge. My friend Liora was already there, kneeling to inspect young saplings. We had come to prepare herbal drinks for the villagers who relied on the orchard’s seasonal harvests. Herbs, fruits, and flowers grown here had subtle effects: calming nerves, easing digestion, and supporting hydration.
We walked slowly along the paths, brushing dew from leaves and checking for pests. The orchard’s magic was subtle. If care was given, plants thrived; if hurried, growth slowed. Nutrition from fresh plants is foundational to health. Micronutrients from herbs and fruits can strengthen immunity and support recovery from minor illnesses (Gibson et al.).
Near the oldest tree—a sprawling elder with silver bark—we collected peppermint and lemon balm. We harvested gently, never more than a third from any single plant to preserve future growth. Liora taught me that love could be measured in restraint. Taking only what was needed ensured that the orchard could give again tomorrow.
The harvested herbs were rinsed with fresh stream water. Cleaning is crucial to remove dirt, small insects, and potential pathogens, especially when preparing food or drinks for multiple people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We laid them on clean cloths to air-dry. The leaves released a soothing aroma, filling the quiet orchard with their scent.
We boiled water over a small, contained flame and poured it over the herbs to make warm infusions. Peppermint and lemon balm can reduce mild digestive discomfort and have calming effects when taken as tea (McKay and Blumberg). Villagers often found relief from stress and fatigue by sipping these herbal drinks slowly, letting the warmth ease tension.
As the first visitors arrived, we offered the drinks in small clay cups. Their eyes widened at the scent before tasting. Warm beverages stimulate sensory comfort and encourage hydration, supporting both emotional and physical health (Mennella). Families lingered under the trees, enjoying the orchard’s peaceful rhythm.
We guided the children to collect a few fallen fruits, teaching them gently not to damage branches. Engaging with nature in simple, hands-on ways has been linked to reduced stress and improved cognitive functioning in children and adults alike (Bratman et al.). They giggled, sharing berries, while parents watched with quiet smiles.
Between serving drinks, we cleaned surfaces, rinsed cups, and wiped tables. Repetition in routine tasks is grounding, especially in settings meant to promote calm and focus. Each small act of care—cleaning, preparing, explaining—reinforced the orchard’s atmosphere of safety and attention.
By late afternoon, the light softened, turning silver across the elder tree’s bark. Visitors left with small bundles of herbs and advice on gentle use. Liora and I walked among the trees again, checking for anything needing attention. The orchard had responded to our care. Leaves were fuller, flowers brighter, and the soft hum lingered in the air.
We shared our own cups of tea, letting the warmth sink into tired hands and minds. Relaxation, attention, and gentle movement intertwined. Health was not only the absence of illness—it was the presence of care, rhythm, and love, expressed through mindful work and shared moments.
As the sun dipped behind the distant hills, the orchard quieted, holding the memory of the day. Its fantasy shimmered in subtle ways, but the real magic was in its lessons: tending life with patience, respecting growth, and sharing warmth through drinks, words, and presence.
When we left, the orchard whispered behind us, promising to bloom again for those who remembered the gentle ways of care.
Works Cited (MLA)
Bratman, Gregory N., et al. “Nature Experience Reduces Rumination and Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex Activation.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 112, no. 28, 2015, pp. 8567–8572.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Food Safety Tips for Fruits and Vegetables.” CDC, 2023.
Gibson, R. S., et al. Principles of Nutritional Assessment. 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2005.
McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea (Mentha piperita L.).” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.
Mennella, Julie A. “The Chemical Senses and Nutrition.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 69, suppl. 1, 2011, pp. S8–S20.
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