Dame Judi Dench’s love for trees is deeply rooted in her heart and soul. She has used trees as a way to honour her loved ones and created a woodland in her garden
Actress Dame Judi Dench revealed a secret during her documentary called ‘Judi Dench, My Passion For Trees’. She revealed how over the years she has plated a tree for every person she has lost in life, from friends and family to fellow actors.
She planted trees in their honour at the bottom of her six-acre plot and over the years, it has turned into a woodland filled with love and memories. Dame Judi Dench confirmed that her and her late husband, Micheal Williams used to do it together. After his passing, she planted a tree in his honour too.
“Ever since I was a little girl I have been interested in trees,”
“I’ve even turned my six-acre garden into a secret woodland, and I see my trees as my extended family. My life now is just trees. Trees and champagne.
“I started planting trees here with my actor husband Michael Williams. Every-time a relative or friend died we would plant a tree.
“There is one for Stephen Hanley, who performed in A Little Night Music at the National. It’s very like him, he was very tall and pale. We have Ian Richardson and Natasha Richardson.
“It is about remembering and for me, it’s something that’s living and goes on, The memory goes on and gets more wonderful.”
Her love of trees led to working with Tony Kirkham, the Head of the Arboretum at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. He taught her more about trees than she ever knew was possible.
“Beneath our feet is a huge network. Not only can they send messages but they can share food and water between other trees,” she said.
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“I’ve loved trees all my life but after this year I will never be able to look at them in the same way, I will never be able to walk so nonchalantly through a woodland ever again. It’s mind-blowing.
“I will never think of trees as individuals again. A forest is a very social place. Everyone is sharing and passing on things to everyone else.
“When I planted trees in memory of my friends I always hoped they would be part of a community, that they would be communicating with each other. And now it’s so reassuring to find out it’s true.”
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