Tree Talks is a podcast series launching in February of 2024. The podcast will explore wider narratives rooted in the flora of Lunuganga. The first season will delve into the themes of rituals, healing, and habitats while questioning our relationship to trees and nature, which are often taken for granted. The podcast series will give insights to the process of deriving a multitude of conversations based on the garden featuring the likes of ornithologist and ecologist Sarath Kotagama, naturalist Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, and artist Mariah Lookman.
Episode 01
Rooted Histories
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne
Transcripts:
In celebration of the Lunuganga gardens 75th anniversary, Tree Talks podcast explores the lives of flora and ecosystems within the gardens. Bought on the eve of independence in 1948, Lunuganga is Geoffrey Bawa’s first and longest running architectural endeavour, join us as we unravel the intricacies of this living archive.
This episode is a walk through Lunuganga on a cool January day with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, naturalist, photographer and author of 'A Naturalist Guide to the Trees of Sri Lanka'. Gehan uncovers the intricacies of Lunuganga's flora and the fauna that flourish in its embrace as he reflects on the histories and migrations of select trees along the path and the influence of humans on globalised horticulture.
This episode follows a path from the Reading Room to the Field of Jars passing by the Jackfruit, Bilin, Mahogany, Mango, Araliya, Na, Fishtail Palm and Hora trees. A map with the sites and sounds of this episode along with other resources are available on our websites.
Credits
Produced by: Geoffrey Bawa Trust
Supervising Producer: Aneesha Mustachi
Coordinator: Dhaneesha Tharakie
Audio Engineer: Shamin de Silva
Episode 02
Plant Pigments
Sanjeewa Wijesundara
In celebration of the Lunuganga gardens 75th anniversary, Tree Talks podcast explores the lives of flora and ecosystems within the gardens. Bought on the eve of independence in 1948, Lunuganga is Geoffrey Bawa’s first and longest running architectural endeavour, join us as we unravel the intricacies of this living archive.
This episode is an exploration of pigment extractions and the human connection to trees through craft with Fashion Designer and Researcher Sanjeewa Wijesundara. Sanjeewa expounds upon the nuances and diversity of pigments and the processes used throughout history for extraction. With the help of select trees he reflects on the intimacy between colourist and plants nourished through technical experimentation and respectful curiosity.
This episode follows a path from the Field of Jars to the East Terrace passing by the Kumbuk, Cashew, Jackfruit, Mahogany, Tamarind and Hibiscus trees. A map with the sites and sounds of this episode along with other resources are available on our websites.
Credits
Produced by: Geoffrey Bawa Trust
Supervising Producer: Aneesha Mustachi
Writer and Coordinator: Dhaneesha Tharakie
Audio Engineer: Shamin de Silva
Transcripts:
Episode 03
Shaded Divinity
Dr. Danister Perera
In celebration of the Lunuganga gardens 75th anniversary, Tree Talks podcast explores the lives of flora and ecosystems within the gardens. Bought on the eve of independence in 1948, Lunuganga is Geoffrey Bawa’s first and longest running architectural endeavour, join us as we unravel the intricacies of this living archive.
The Moonamal tree placed so meticulously on the crest of Cinnamon Hill lawn draws one's eye from the Main House to the Dedduwa Lake. Its sprawling branches offer shade and respite to those making their way toward the Southern bank of the lake. Dedduwa lake is avowed for mystic folklore, most interestingly the lore of the spirit of a monk that resides abode a tree on the lake’s Honduwa island.
Stories passed down from generations can often have an interconnectedness with nature. In this episode ayurvedic expert and cultural anthropologist Dr. Danister Perera delves into the cultural and spiritual curiosities of trees like Moonamal that have inspired creators and storytellers, gathered sages and devotees and healed minds and bodies over the centuries.
A map with the sites and sounds of this episode along with other resources are available on our websites.
Credits
Produced by: Geoffrey Bawa Trust
Supervising Producer: Aneesha Mustachi
Coordinator: Dhaneesha Tharakie
Audio Engineer: Shamin de Silva
Transcripts: