In the treeless subarctic landscape of North America, dwarf shrubs, mosses, lichens and sedges dominate the tundra vegetation. In spring, when days begin to lengthen and birds return to nest, the tundra comes alive for a very short, intense and productive growing season. Northern flowers like Arctic Lupine, Bistort, Lapland Rosebay and Woolly Lousewort blossom among the tussocks, while mammals from voles to moose nibble on the fleeting summer greens. Walking through this complex world of northern plants releases a distinctive tundra aroma - a verdant earthy mix of Labrador Tea, reindeer moss and dwarf birch.

By the time of late summer frosts, berry shrubs are laden with ripe cranberries, blueberries and mossberries, ready for eating. The tundra is transformed to a carpet of crimson and gold as the leaves of bearberry, birch and willow shed their green and adopt the electric colours of autumn.