The Ginkgo biloba (also known as the Maidenhair Tree) is so called because the leaves have two (bi) lobes on them. It is the oldest surviving species of tree in the world. Fossilised leaves from this tree have been dated back to the Jurassic period. Until very recently it was a prolific native of China. Sadly, it is now virtually extinct there. There may, in fact, be more ginkgo trees here in Britain than in China. The ginkgo is probably the easiest tree to identify as it is so unlike any other found anywhere. Its fan-shaped leaves, which also cover its weeping twisting branches, are so distinctive, it really does look like a relic from another age.

My first encounter with this tree was on a very brisk walk around Wakehurst Place one Sunday afternoon, when the idea of the music of the trees was a mere sapling. I was actually more familiar with it in its medicinal form, where it is said to help improve memory. It is true that it helps to increase blood-flow to the brain .So having spotted this very unusual tree and read the black plastic embossed label, I said to myself, "So that's where it comes from!" I didn't have much time to connect with it on this occasion but was certainly struck by its unusual appearance.

My second encounter came a good few years later when visiting St. Mary's House in Bramber. I had read that there was a ginkgo tree in the grounds and given my interest in renaissance music, art and architecture, I found it an irresistible place to visit. I also had much more time to try to establish some kind of connection with it. Sure enough, I did. One would think that a species that had survived the coming and going of the dinosaurs would be as hard as nails, but that description could not be more wrong. It had a very soothing, graceful and gently uplifting energy - a refreshing and inspirational feeling. I didn't get a definite tune, but more a feeling of tonal patterns. I distinctly heard dulcimers ringing and a rising and falling phrase, but that was about it. When I got back I found a tuning in what seemed to be the right key and it flowed through like a waterfall. After learning the tune, I always felt uplifted, yet calm and peaceful at the same time. I hope it has a similar effect on you!