I recently had the opportunity to visit Rootwoven Studios, a Full region which performs a number of roles: a marvellously built region for photography; a hub for community events; a place to have a little fun, and a demonstration of the landscaping skills of those behind it.
Primarily the work of Honor Lehane, this is a setting which is in so many ways a personification of perfection: a landscape blending a rugged outline, curving beaches, quiet gardens, what appear to be private retreats with their own little gardens and spaces (all of which are open to the public). Indeed, with so much to see and appreciate, and it’s hard to believe Rootwoven is in part still growing.
Rootwoven Studios is a nature-inspired escape where wonder takes root. A place to wander, play, connect, and simply be. Explore scenic trails, hidden corners, mini golf, beach activities, and live DJ events. Rootwoven is also a living portfolio of landscaping and experience design. Come as you are; stay awhile.
– Rootwoven About Land description
The main Landing Point sits close to the north-west corner of the region and alongside a small commercial centre offering vendor spaces and also information boards – one for bloggers and photographers looking to work with the Rootwoven team, and one on joining / holding events within the region.
Close to this area is the Rootwoven Studio, a combined café and information centre fronted by Alex Bader’s Zen garden. Both vendor space and café present some of the games available in the region and also the first of the many retreats to be enjoyed for those wishing to spend time here.
Exploring the region is simply a case of picking a path or, if you want to see it from above, clicking on the bubble rezzer alongside the Landing Point and taking to the air.
While teleport boards are available for hopping around, if you’re serious about discovering all of Rootwoven’s spots and places, I’d suggest initially eschewing these in favour for your pedal extremities.
Although that said – make sure you’re ready for some good walking and climbing; as already noted Rootwoven is wonderfully rugged in nature. There are also a few rope slides and bridges to keep you fit as well!
I’m not going to give a blow-by-blow account of wandering Rootwoven, purely because it does offer so much that writing about it would be more of a novella than a guide, and I’d only go and miss something. What I will say is that the overall landscaping is richly diverse and that everything flows together in a manner that leans a real sense of life and place to the region.
Around the coast, for example, there are multiple stretches of sand, coves, little bays, a saltwater area rich in mangroves and through which a boardwalk passes, headland hosting houses, waterfalls, a lighthouse and more.
Paths wind their way to most of these, some of which are nicely secluded for quiet times, others more open. Those which may not have a direct path to them tend to have a rope bridge or slide for getting to and from them.
Inland can be found richly wooded areas, winding and climbing paths, bridges reaching across gullies, gashes and gorges, and meandering streams. More board and table games can be found scattered along the various paths winding their way through all of this, together with lookout points and quiet retreats. Those who enjoy games should note there is also a dedicated teleport system for reaching those spaced around the landscape.
Houses, cabins and and an unmissable tower are scattered across the setting. Some of these may appear to be private residences, but Honor assured me they are all open to the public and a part of the region’s role as a landscaping portfolio. All “fit” the region’s design – but I’ll leave it to you to decide if the warning at the Witch’s Tower needs to be heeded!
And on that topic – do keep an eye out for the marvellous medieval-themed mini golf by MadPea sitting close by the tower.
During my visit, Honor asked me if I’d found a favourite spot within the region. I couldn’t actually give her an answer – and I still can’t. Rootwoven is one of those places where just about everywhere you visit appeals in its attractiveness.
Built with a specific pairing of environment settings in mind (accessed by using the viewer’s Use Shared Environment option), Rootwoven is caught in a moment of eventide, the Sun dipping towards the west. However, such is the beauty of the setting, it naturally loans itself to other environment settings as well.
Within her Profile, Honor notes the following:
I’m constantly amazed by the builders, dreamers, storytellers, designers and creators who pour a little of themselves into everything they touch. Their passion and creativity keep this place alive, reminding us that Second Life is about exploration of art, of people, and of self.
– Honor Lehane
Truth be told, Honor can count herself among these people, as can those who worked with her on Rootwoven.
A genuine delight to visit and tour, rich in opportunities for landscape and avatar photography (rezzing for props available through Group membership – but do pick up behind yourself!), Rootwoven is more than worth a visit, whether you are a Second Life explorer or looking for a place to relax – or for a possible venue for your event.
My thanks to Honor for her time in conversation.
Slurl Details
- Rootwoven Studios (Charmed Isle, rated Moderate)
