Sandra Ingerman's Blog

Tim Atkin, an international expert on the art and science of the vine, recounts his trip in The Observer to Stellenbosch, South Africa, and his visit to a certain grape-growing farm where the plants are serenaded by round-the-clock classical music (Albinoni, Corelli, and Bach, specifically.) Apparently, this is unusual, although playing music for the outdoor plants might become a trend. Music indoors, on the other hand, is a done deal. Atkin says:

No large New World cellar is complete without a powerful stereo system. The biggest I’ve ever seen is at Cloudy Bay, where the noise levels wouldn’t sound out of place at a heavy metal concert.

Of course, this extravagant Cloudy Bay sound system may be more for the benefit of the workers than for the wine itself. And that’s as it should be. It’s good when workers are happy. At the De Morgenzon farm, however, the outdoor concerts are definitely for the plants. The proprietor, who also owns a radio station, has a large collection of music at his disposal. He had tried everything from rap to German choral works, and had found that the grapevines are definitely partial to hearing “something harmonious and melodious; in short, wordless baroque music.”

Atkin cites scientific studies where interesting results were obtained by playing classical music for rice plants, and where the root growth of germinating onions was positively influenced by “relaxing, calming and mentally invigorating music.” He says the wine is really good (or else he wouldn’t be telling us about it!) and recommends a virtual visit to De Morgenzon. Well, we took his advice and found some fascinating facts. For instance, the site claims:

There are even plants that clearly acknowledge and respond to music. The Telegraph Plant (Semaphore Plant or Dancing Grass) is a type of leguminous shrub whose leaves ‘dance’ rhythmically to harmonious music. It does not show any response if blown or caressed manually.

Sandra’s book How to Thrive in Changing Times has a subtitle, and that explanatory line is “Simple Tools to Create True Health, Wealth, Peace, and Joy for Yourself and the Earth.” And, speaking of simple tools, music is about one of the simplest tools available to the largest number of people. Whether you make music or just hear it — it does create peace, joy, and health. And, Sandra says:

Listening to music that is expansive yet calming can be helpful in leading us into a spiritual experience.

One last plants-and-music story. This one is about the Joshua Tree, which inhabits the high desert in California and other places. It’s called “Birds Make Flowers Bloom.” We’re on the lookout for other tales of plants and music, so if you know any, please send them along!

Source: “Tasting notes,” The Observer, 01/31/10
Source: “Music at De Morgenzon,” De Morgenzon web site
Source: “Birds Make Flowers Bloom,” GAPWIT, 01/31/10
Image by Southern Foodways Alliance, used under its Creative Commons license.