LXMI hosted our first #PlantSalon at our founder’s home in NYC with the incredible chronicler of ancient trees and LXMI Icon Beth Moon.

Beth’s work as a photographer centers on capturing the world’s oldest trees, many threatened by climate change before they die. She’s traveled the world to tell the story of trees as diverse as thousand-year-old wide-trunked baobabs of Southern Africa, the mighty tall Redwoods of California, and 4,000-year-old yew trees in England.

Part of her work involves understanding the cultural importance of trees, which serve as spiritual oases for communities around the world. To capture trees in the best light, Moon spends up to five or six weeks with them — sleeping with them, observing them, and interviewing scientists and local experts to learn their stories.

One project, Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees, was inspired by a scientific study that showed that cosmic radiation impacts tree growth even more than annual temperature or rainfall. Moon focused her lens on old trees and colorful skies in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, showing the powerful relationship between trees and stars.

The San Francisco Chronicle described Moon’s work as “a long and lonely pursuit.” At the Plant Salon, Moon described traveling for weeks with few supplies, often alone in remote corners of the world. Luckily, interest in the plant world and climate action means Moon’s work is increasingly sought after, and the photographer has exhibited in cities around the world.

To learn more and purchase a book or print, visit BethMoon.com.