trees, if you please

Happy New Year, Happy Trees!

2012-01-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, my darlings!

Back to the trees. Since I haven't been out there too much with my own camera lately...but since it seems appropriate to start the year off with some breathtaking tree imagery...I have looked no further than National Geographic, since their photography is never anything short of fantastic. Feast with your eyes, as I have. These trees are enough to make you certain of a spectacular 2012.

(I've listed the photographer under each image. Click the caption text to go to the Photo of the Day page where it was found, and for photo descriptions).

Reader submitted National Geographic Photo of the Day, September 23, 2011. Photograph by Petr Cunderlik.

Reader submitted National Geographic Photo of the Day, November 10, 2011. Photograph by Kent Shiraishi.

Reader submitted National Geographic Photo of the Day, April 14, 2011. Photograph by Giuliano Mangani.

National Geographic Photo of the Day, May 17, 2011. Photograph by Frans Lanting.

Reader submitted National Geographic Photo of the Day, June 27, 2010. Photograph by Christiano Pessoa.

Reader submitted National Geographic Photo of the Day, December 18, 2010. Photograph by Amnon Eichelberg.

There you have it. Delicious photos, splendid trees! Top to bottom, these trees live in: Czech Republic, Japan, unknown, Namibia, Brazil, and Tanzania.

Bring on 2012!

Spanish Trees

2011-06-23T18:18:00.003-04:00

Turns out there are palm trees in Spain. Which may not seem odd to many of you, but for some reason, I had never even considered this possibility, and so it took me by surprise. Especially when I was walking through the very narrow streets of Old Town Barcelona and came upon a palm tree there, just hanging out in a sunny corner, hugging the charming buildings where the cobblestone alleyway opened up just a little bit wider than too-narrow-for-a-car. I'm telling you. It was strange. And delightful. I think because I grew up in Central New York—and to this day have never been to Florida—that I still have this perception of Palm Trees as exotic and other-worldly and endlessly fascinating (as can also be noted here). And this is why I took too many photos of palm trees on my recent visit to Barcelona and Bilbao.

Here is the aforementioned tree, happy in it's cosy surroundings:

And a few more palm trees scattered around this beautiful city:

Peeking above the buildings! So great. And because I wanted to bring them home with me, here are a few more that made me smile. For your enjoyment, as well. The final tree (below) lives in the mountain town of Bilbao, and was enjoyed with a glass of red wine, of course.

Tribute to a Magical Winter

2011-03-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

And by "magical," I mean long, cold, bitter, miserable, blah. But it has come to my attention that it is now mid-March, and this means that spring is just around the corner (right??). So here's a look back at a couple picturesque "tree" moments from this endless winter. The above photo was taken out my kitchen window on a particularly pixie-land-fairytale sort of morning. (Also, introducing my Hipstamatic obsession).

I went snowboarding in Vermont (above), and spent a good deal of the time at the top of the mountain, just looking around like a kid in a candy store. Seriously. I think these trees were plucked right off a german gingerbread house. I couldn't get enough!!

And always, I adore the beauty of trees against the backdrop of my beloved Brooklyn or Manhattan. How many blizzards did we have this year? I don't even remember. But the trees were perfect.

Also, a warm, exciting welcome to all my new friends and followers! I've had so many new visitors and comments over the past 6 months, and it makes me so happy that Trees, if you please can bring delight to others. And of course, my dedicated old friends who have been waiting with baited breath (yeah right) for a new post. This is for you.

xoxoxo.

Thank you!

2010-06-16T09:52:00.003-04:00

I want to send a big public THANK YOU to Early Forest for the wonderful prize pack they sent me for winning their photo contest. The bag and water bottle have already been put to good use already, and I can't wait to go out and identify new trees with my new guide. Is that super dorky? Who cares?!

I've been on "tree hiatus" due to multiple life changes....But stay tuned for updates. I'll be back soon.

Afternoon in the park

2010-04-21T14:20:00.003-04:00

(uploaded by phone)

Portrait of a Tree

2010-02-17T17:36:00.008-05:00

While this post takes a look at some incredibly stunning tree photography by artist Myoung Ho Lee (tree art posts are some of my favorites), it is personally devastating. Let me explain. For some time now, I have been cultivating a super-secret idea for a photography project that I'd like to undertake "some day" when I get the time and funding. Just last week, I disclosed my idea to Kevin and we were discussing the feasibility. After I listed off all my hang-ups and excuses, he said "apply for a grant! just go for it! do it!" And I was pleased that he liked my super-secret idea. But that's when it first occurred to me to do a Google search for "tree portraits."

Trees have personality! Character! They communicate. And they are immensely beautiful. And to attempt to capture their beauty and form by constructing an enormous backdrop and then photographing the solitary tree – as if in a studio, but still out in the middle of nature – well. There you have it. My secret creative project idea. Laid out to you before it's even been done...er...except that...It HAS been done.

A quick internet search brought me to the Tree exhibition at Yossi Milo Gallery, and there I saw these wonderful photos by Myoung Ho Lee that I wish I had taken. Here was my own idea, already executed - beautifully - by a South Korean gentleman just 4 years my senior. I was devastated. AND. To make matters just a little bit worse, I realized the show was last year, right here in New York. I could have gone.

I don't know. I guess I'm being overly dramatic. I'm just sad I'll never be able to see this project through and get credit for it. Or, maybe I'll do a similar project some day - but would it be seen as copyright infringement? Whatever. You heard it here first. I had the idea before I saw his work, though it will never seem original to the world. Oh well.

This has NOT kept me from truly appreciating the beauty of Mr. Lee's photography. I love it. Read more about it here.

Bravo, fine sir. Your trees are lovely.

Sun and Shadows

2010-01-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

MLK day was beautiful! It was warm enough to flavor the air with a hint of "spring" and the ground was all squishy. I walked through muddy fields in the park, inhaling the earthy breeze and stepping on shadows. The sun was working it's magic, painting stretchy dark extensions of the trees across the grass. I couldn't help but admire and photograph them, looking down at the trees, rather than up. Enjoy!

The Grandpa Tree

2009-12-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

This wonderful little tree has popped up in this blog before – more than once, in fact – and so I suppose I should admit that I have a distinct fondness for this little crabapple tree that sits in my parents' back yard, overlooking a corner of the deck. We call it the Grandpa Tree, because it was planted in honor and in memory of my mom's father. Every time I venture home it provides new smiles and photos. This past weekend the berries were glistening in the sun and looked particularly perfect. Enjoy!

Tree of the day - stunning silhouette

2009-12-29T11:33:00.004-05:00

I love this tree. I took the photo about a month ago in Prospect Park. Glorious tree, no?

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

2009-12-27T23:59:00.002-05:00

The holiday season is a time when you may hear an awful lot of singing about Pear Trees. With Partridges in them. I don't know why. There are conflicting stories about the origins of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and I don't want to join the debate.

But I do want to share my discovery of an espaliered Pear tree that lives in the glorious Cloisters in Manhattan. What, you may ask, is an espaliered tree? Well, I've just now learned that to espalier is to train a tree (generally a fruit tree, it seems) to grow in a pattern or shape, flat against a wall or lattice. A 2-D tree! Basically this might be perfect for my future Brooklyn garden. But it also seems to have been rather popular in medieval times. In any case, the Cloisters is a wonderful secret haven in northern Manhattan that is a home to amazing medieval European art and architecture. And trees. The gardens are not particularly big, but they are immensely charming and satisfying. And peaceful. Oh, to be a monk. And there are pear trees. Also, you can follow the Cloisters Garden blog here.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all! I have been enjoying the various trees of the season - mostly Christmas trees, of course - but the storm that rolled through last weekend blanketed the neighborhood trees in delightful piles of snow. For now...may you all take as much pleasure in my miniature apartment Christmas tree as I do. It has brought many smiles to my face so far this December...

:)

Ultimate Field Guide to the Trees of the Big Apple

2009-12-03T16:24:00.000-05:00

For a tree-lover and blogger-of-trees, I certainly don't know many scientific tree facts, nor do I know how to identify most trees. Thus, I picked up "New York City Trees, A Field Guide for the Metropolitan Area" at the Brooklyn Book Festival in September. I'm super excited about it. The cover promises "How to identify trees;" "Best places to see trees;" "Official NYC Great Trees;" and "Ten tree walks." I can't wait to walk all ten.

In other news: the Christmas tree lady arrived this week with her trees from Canada, and has parked herself, as usual, in front of the neighborhood Key Food. I love walking slowly by and breathing in the piney-wonderful air. It's holiday season!

A crisp autumn day in Brooklyn

2009-11-19T07:35:00.005-05:00

It took me about two days after I came back from France to fall in love with Brooklyn again. The first day or so was rainy and I missed Paris. Then, I remembered why I live here. It's such a lively, wonderful place in the world. And oh man, do I love my park. Prospect Park. In the fall it's just perfect. A perfect place to be. The trees can be breathtaking. I snapped a few shots that don't do it justice. Autumn is on it's way out...and winter is fast approaching. But here's a glimpse of the autumn trees I saw this week in my neighborhood and "my" park.

Paris, Je t'adore!

2009-10-25T22:34:00.001-04:00

Oh! My dear friends. I've just returned from a vacation with my friend Emily to the oh-so-enchanting city of Paris! It really is as wonderful as in the movies and your dreams. Here is a look at how the Parisians do "les arbres."

These pretty smooth trees with the funny hanging fuzz balls are everywhere:

And I do believe I've correctly identified them as "London Plane" trees - a close relative - if not a hybrid – of the American Sycamore and the "Oriental Plane."

Next, Some beautiful October leaves at the Jardin du Luxembourg:

The best place for tree sightings, however, was at the immensely beautiful and breathtakingly extravagant Palace of Versailles. In the gardens there were rows of citrus trees, "Dr. Seuss-like" clipped (topiary) trees (which should be considered "tree art," I think), "square" trees, tall graceful trees, and many more. (I don't know why the French are so obsessed with geometric trees. It's dreadfully unnatural, but fascinating, nonetheless). All were living amidst sculptures and fountains. Glorious! I could spend a week there! Indulge:

A look back

2009-09-19T11:14:00.008-04:00

A final taste of some trees from this past spring. Next...moving into delicious autumn! I get chills just thinking about it.

YOUR TREES [Jamie and Keith's crazy tree sighting]

2009-09-14T09:50:00.001-04:00

It's delightful when I hear that friends, family, or even strangers think of me when they see a fantastic, weird, funny, or beautiful tree. Several of you have sent photos or at least stories my way and it truly makes my day. I need to be better about posting them. I plan to go back through my emails and put more of them on the blog.

This one made my awesome brother and sister-in-law think of me immediately. Because look at it!! So kooky and adorable and funny and straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Which is quite possibly my favorite kind. I don't remember where it was taken (and I certainly don't know the oblivious folks who have been immortalized in the background)...but here it is. A fabulous tree. Tall and twisty and skinny, complete with a goofy hair-do.

Thanks for sending!

Tree Museum! And other tree works by Katie Holten

2009-09-12T08:54:00.001-04:00

Terrific discovery of the day: A "Tree Museum" that is also a public art project!! How incredibly perfect. So, of course, sometime between now and October 12th I'll be heading up to the Bronx to listen to the trees. And then I'll share my discoveries.

Here's what I know. The Tree Museum is a public art project by artist Katie Holten, who seems to be at least as enamored with trees and art as I am. Perhaps more so. Her work ranges from drawings to installation art to public projects involving living plants. Her work addresses the themes of "permanence, disappearance and environment" and she is interested in "how people make sense of and cope with their surroundings" (see LMAKprojects).

Here are some examples of her works that involve trees, of course:

New York Trees I

Trees of the U.S.A. III

Paths of Desire

Ghost Forest

A tree falls in Brooklyn

2009-09-11T13:50:00.010-04:00

It's a sad day on my block. Some stupid beer truck backed into one of the beloved trees across the street, knocking off a huge tree-sized branch and chunk of the tree. Leaves and branches fell all over, stopping traffic, and then some work men arrived with chain saws to finish the job. Now it is a soggy, sawdusty stump. Though, if you ask George, who works at Mailboxes on 5th (which is the shop the tree used to live in front of) it wasn't the beer truck's fault. The truck has been backing up in that exact location for years and years. But the heavy rain made the branch sag, which made the tree lean, which made the branch sag even lower.

George knows these things. Blame it on the rain.

Actually, I've recently realized that an even more beloved tree is gone. The one that used to live more directly across the street. It must have happened the day my building may-or-may-not-have-been hit by lightning. We heard/felt an extremely loud boom at the same time we saw a flash...and the next thing we knew, we saw branches in the street. I just realized the tree is completely gone. This one makes me even sadder. It was just out front of Happy Cleaners. So pretty. Fluffy white in the spring. We had just one lovely spring together. I'm hoping these trees have become mulch and will help other urban trees to survive and flourish. Here are some photos to mourn our loss. (Pink arrows indicate our fallen friends.)

The Lorax (and his Truffula trees)

2009-07-31T13:44:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted about this yet. One of the best "tree books" EVER is a children's book. But it's not really a children's book.

I am an enthusiastic, unabashed fan of Dr. Seuss and his work. I don't know what else to say about that. And one of most lovable tree advocates I've ever come across happens to be a little guy straight from the brain of Dr. Seuss...our friend, The Lorax.

Our wonderful little friend, The Lorax, used to live in a Truffula (TRUFF-yoo-la) tree. Truffula trees have silky soft tufts and they come in colors like bright pink, orange, red, and yellow. These are trees you can't help but love. And, of course, they were home to our friend, The Lorax.

But one fateful day, the Truffula trees were discovered by a money-hungry entrepreneur, who chopped one down and made the tufts into something (a "thneed") to sell. And then he chopped another. And another. And then he built a factory, and before long, every single fluffy Truffula tree was gone. The Lorax tried with all his might to stop it from happening..."I am the Lorax! I speak for the trees!"...but to no avail. And all the creatures were displaced, and all the trees were chopped.

The Truffula trees, sadly, are gone, but the story is not without hope. Pick up the book and read the story! Or...watch the Dr. Seuss movie, based on the book:

If you hang on through (or skip) the credits, you will positively fall in love with the tragic, hypnotic intro song which starts at about the 55 second mark...
"grickle grass...grickle grass...street of the lifted lorax...grickle grass...grickle grass...somebody lifted the lorax away..."

I can't stop singing it.

And now go plant a tree!

Update: if you're having trouble with the video, you can view it here.

Christmas in May June July!

2009-05-31T23:08:00.013-04:00

My hard drive died. And a bunch of other things happened. So...let's pretend it's the end of May, or perhaps the first week of June (when I started to write this post)...
...

I've just returned from a mountain vacation during which we spent some time meandering along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are breathtaking on a clear spring day and endless photo opportunities await – either at the designated "lookout areas" or at any particular point if you dare pull over to the side of the sometimes frighteningly narrow mountain road and flash your hazard lights while you jump out to snap a photo of a perfect double rainbow with a mountain backdrop, which is exactly what we did as we were driving through sun showers one particular afternoon.

After a grand time spent in and around Asheville, NC and then a quick stay in Boone, our journey homeward led us through more beautiful mountain roads where we found ourselves pleasantly surprised in the relatively remote region of Ashe County, North Carolina.

There we were, driving through the mountains, when we came around a corner, and passed a Christmas tree farm. Not too unusual...but then another, and another! Ten! Twenty! Thirty! More! Acres and acres of Christmas trees everywhere! It was as if we'd stumbled upon the "Santa's workshop" of Christmas trees. They were on every hill, around every bend, speckling every field. It was joyous and curious. I had to take some photos and then Google the phenomenon when I returned home.

Turns out there is a North Carolina Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) and their mission is to "promote 'real' Christmas Trees through marketing and education." Hmm. This is a mission I can probably stand behind, though, while idealistic and charming, it seems vaguely wrong and definitely weird. The Fraser fir is the species that all the tree farmers seem to be growing (so that's what you see in my photos) and I learned that North Carolina has an estimated 50 million Fraser firs Christmas trees througout the state. I'm pretty sure we saw 30 million. There are all sorts of interesting Christmas tree facts and info about the Fraser fir at their site, here, like: North Carolina is 2nd in the nation for Christmas tree harvesting; and at least 10 North Carolina trees have graced the White House since 1966.

Who knew there was such a flourishing tree industry in the mountains of North Carolina? You cut your own at many of the farms, or, there's the option to place a wholesale order for trees - if you happen to have a well-trafficked city sidewalk where you'd like to begin selling the "perfect" tree this December.

Here's a screen shot of a search for Christmas tree farms in North Carolina (We drove straight through that upper left corner of the map):

Pink trees

2009-05-16T23:51:00.014-04:00

If you're into PINK trees (which is oh so Dr. Seuss-like), I hope you got a chance to check out Hanami at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this year. Hanami is the "Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry blossom season." I realize this is an after-the-fact post, and if you missed it, all I can say is...go next year!

Any time from early April through early May. PINK. TREES. Petals all over. So pretty, really, and once you realize that you've had enough flowery trees (or, more likely, before you realize it's too late) the flowers have fallen and died and the brilliant green leaves are here to celebrate spring. (A note on Hanami - in early May, there's a big festival at the BBG with long lines, lots of people, weird music and a bunch of events that I missed...along with scores of faux geisha in full attire. Personally, I recommend going to the garden without the extra thousands of people tragically shaking the tree branches to make the petals fall. Go in late April.)

Of course, there are also the wonderful Magnolia trees in early April (top photo). They're incredibly beautiful with huge "thick" flowers that are sticky and gross when they fall off and coat the ground. But always so impressive on the trees. And the magnolia trees aren't ALL pink. Some are yellow, white, or other shades of pretty.

I used to hate HATE pink, I admit. And too much pink still makes me cringe. But on fluffy trees, it's bliss...

Fluffy Trees!

2009-04-16T16:30:00.009-04:00

If you've been following my blog since the beginning, you may know that I have sort of a "thing" for fluffy, flowery trees. But, I mean, really. Who doesn't? I love them. SO...imagine my excitement when I discovered that I actually live on a street of flowering trees! They're right outside my door! This is my first spring in this neighborhood (indeed, in this city) and here I am. Right in the midst of a delightful "white way of delight." (anyone get that reference?) What a perfect city street to call home. Would anyone like to come visit?

I went away for the weekend. And came back. And here they are. Bursting with flowery life. LOVE IT. I think if I knew more about trees, I might have known these were the flowering sort, and then I may not have been quite as surprised when they bloomed. But. I like it this way. Ignorance is bliss.

PS. More flowery fluffy tree posts to come...

Spring!

2009-03-31T23:46:00.006-04:00

I love LOVE when spring is in the air. As it was today. Daffodils are popping up in the forest and there are flowers on trees! Flowering trees are something to smile about.

Today I just soaked it all in for myself. Perhaps tomorrow I'll get out there and snap some more photos.

New Year of the Trees

2009-02-09T15:10:00.004-05:00

I am not Jewish. I know almost nothing about most Jewish holidays. But in an effort to at least be aware of them, I've added the Jewish Holidays public calendar to my Google calendar which is how I discovered that today is the New Year of the Trees! I did very little research, but did learn that it is customary to eat fruit and nuts (which I will now do) and to plant trees. I've no place to plant a tree, but I will instead try to be particularly aware of trees today, on their new year. Happy New Year!

Best state quarters

2009-01-19T00:09:00.006-05:00

While rummaging through a bowl of change to find laundry quarters the other day, I was pleased to see a large oak tree on the back of the Connecticut state quarter. This piqued my curiosity as to how many of our 50 state quarters are graced with the presence of trees. Here are the winners. Trees! You can view the rest of the 50 U.S. state quarters here. (Granted, there are a couple other states with trees in the background – Colorado, for one – but I was much more impressed with the prominence trees were given on these four).

Bonsai - the smallest trees of the new year

2009-01-06T18:14:00.007-05:00

Have any of you noticed that I've never posted about bonsai? How can this be? I think I was waiting for the perfect bonsai situation to present itself, which it did – this past weekend at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Though, from the looks of the photos on their site, I'll have to visit again in April and again in the fall. Even bonsai trees bloom in the spring and change colors in autumn!

What's not to love about bonsai?
1) they are miniature
2) they are works of art
3) they are trees
Plus, they usually come in cool ceramic pots and frequently have tufts of spongy moss growing at the base.

They are beautiful. And cute! Bonsai are so exquisitely manicured and pruned so that some of these less-than-two-feet-tall little trees are actually over 100 years old. It's really quite amazing. Looking closely at a bonsai, I sometimes wish I were the size of a fairy so I could sit underneath one of them and take a nap. That moss would be so soft! bonsai surely must be the smallest trees of their kind in the world.

"Bonsai" refers to little trees in pots...and the art to coaxing a tree to age without growing big has to do with trimming both the leaves and roots. But there is more than just careful clipping involved: Bonsai "demands a spiritual involvement" by the artist. Julian Velasco, curator of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden bonsai collection, says that "the stronger the connection between artist and tree, the more the artist can bring out in that particular tree." The creator has a very intentional role, using wire to gently guide the trees into position.

There's much more to be said and learned about bonsai, but for now let's just enjoy them as works of art, shall we?

final trees of 2008

2009-01-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

My dear friends. I've let time get away from me once again. I'm going to stop apologizing for it, starting now. It seems inevitable that I will have huge lapses in posting from time to time. I still love trees. It's a new year.

Christmas in the city was delectable. Holiday cheer, lights, spice cookies and trees! I was pleasantly surprised by the tree in Bryant park - I think I preferred it to (dare I say it) "The Tree" at Rockefeller. Of course, our own little Christmas "tree" was more of a bush this year, as all things "household" have had to downsize considerably. I made tree cookies this year. There's a first time for everything.

Here's to the best year yet.

Green-Wood

2008-11-04T21:09:00.002-05:00

OK, I discovered the absolute Mecca of amazing trees and it's completely exciting. Seriously, this is my new favorite 478 acres ever. It took a couple months for us to get around to visiting Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery, but once we did, we instantly realized we'd found one of the most beautiful spots in Brooklyn. Perfect for walking, thinking, playing guitar, writing, drawing, taking photographs, and ghost hunting. (note the charming funereal piano interludes when you visit their Web site).

I do believe there may be enough trees to keep me happy forever.

2008-10-13T12:32:00.004-04:00

Perfect weather. Perfect trees. Upstate New York in the fall is so idyllic. It won't be long before the cold gray weather rolls in and takes hold for 5 or 6 months...but these fleeting autumn days before the winter are scrumptious. My weekend home was a bit too soon for peak colors...but it was glorious, nonetheless. And always with these picturesque trees and this crisp weather comes cider, cheese, donuts, apples, grapes, and everything "harvest." I just can't get enough.

A walk in the garden

2008-09-18T21:56:00.013-04:00

By popular demand, a peek at some of the better local trees. These were not, in fact, taken at the park, as requested, but rather at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is delightfully walking distance from my home, and to which my mom bought me a membership for my birthday. Wonderful!

This is just a taste of the arboreal splendor to come (ie: I'll be out there again at some point with my camera and more time). By the way, can I just mention that I'm so excited that autumn is upon us! it's just the most perfect time of year for trees.

Oh, and if you simply MUST see a shot or two of trees in The Park, you'll have to make due with this poor quality photo (taken on my phone) of a glorious late afternoon moment:

Cheers!

like a whisper

2008-09-02T19:01:00.008-04:00

Ack! It is high time for some tree art.
These are some fine-art photos that I stumbled upon. They are so quiet. So spacious. This is the work of Lou Raizin, an "emerging artist" according to VERVE Gallery and I don't know much else about Lou.

Enjoy!

my new home, and the new neighborhood trees

2008-09-01T23:03:00.005-04:00

I live in Brooklyn now. The trees aren't so plentiful as before, but they are still just as interesting and varied. There so many wonderful places to explore and I've just begun to get to know the city trees around me. The trees pictured above are my new local friends. I don't live in one of those charming brownstones, but all I need to do is walk out the door and turn a corner, and the side streets are filled with these charming views. Walking these new streets fills me with amazement. This is where I live now. Mostly, it's impossible not to notice each tree's surroundings here. You don't see any lonely trees or forests. But the trees have wonderful backdrops of ornate churches or interesting buildings. Some are oddly placed so that they poke through the sidewalks along a busy street of shops and cafes.

My impression is that most of the trees around here are just a little confused. They don't seem terribly unhappy...this isn't, after all, the most enticing place for a tree to live...but they just seem a little unsure of how they're supposed to be living here in this big city with very little grass and too many people. Some of them seem particularly awkward...but most are just trying to be graceful the best they can, living between a pile of garbage bags and a fire hydrant...growing out of their little open square in the sidewalk.

The more I think about it, the sadder it seems. But really, like I said...maybe they aren't all that unhappy. Like a baby animal born in a zoo. They don't know life any differently. It's sad and it's not. And the joy they bring others!

So. I still like them, and I'm sure glad they live here in the city with me.

Trees at Duke Gardens through the eye of a cell phone

2008-08-12T18:39:00.003-04:00

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

2008-08-10T13:39:00.007-04:00

Dear friends, I'm in Brooklyn now! So far, it's everything I hoped it would be. And trees do, in fact, grow here. Upon my departure, a very thoughtful friend gave me the most appropriate novel I can imagine, considering my current circumstance. I've been meaning to read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith for some time, and this seems the most perfect season of life to dive into it. Also, speaking of appropriate tree books, another friend just gave me the perfect book about trees, entitled simply, "The Tree," by Colin Tudge. "A Natural History of What Trees Are, How They Live, and Why They Matter." So perfect! As if I need a book to tell me why they matter.

Facts and info straight from that book to come...Hopefully this will make me a more knowledgeable tree blogger and person.

Hurray for Brooklyn! Hurray for trees! Many, many thanks to my friends who think of me when they see books about trees, and for these perfect gifts. You guys are great.

Japanese Garden

2008-07-09T23:11:00.006-04:00

I never meant to turn this into a "tree-photo-blog" but I suppose that's what it's become, as of late. To carry on the theme just a bit longer, let me share with you some of the photos from my trip to the Fort Worth (Texas!) Japanese Garden this past weekend. It was a hot, wonderful, nostalgia-filled, relaxing weekend of nuptials. Old friends and new family. BBQ and Tex-Mex. And one of my favorite-people-in-the-whole-world on the happiest day of his life. Anyway. Back to the trees.

chasing lightning

2008-07-01T23:24:00.003-04:00

Didn't work, but the effect was kinda cool.

interesting tree bark of the day

2008-06-21T14:50:00.001-04:00

mimosa, anyone?

2008-06-20T22:46:00.007-04:00

How great is this tree? It's Dr. Seuss-inspired (my favorite kind!) When I first saw one, it was located curiously close to a delicious local sushi restaurant, so I decided it must be Asian. Then, I began to see them along the road as I was driving to work, and realized that was a stupid assumption. I was trying to imagine how I could have never noticed these wonderful pink powder-puff fluffs growing on these local trees, and decided to do a little research. What is it? Where is it from?
Turns out, it IS Asian!! or, to be more precise, it is native to both Asia and the Middle East. It's called a Mimosa or silk tree. And birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds like it.
I have ALSO discovered that this is an "invasive tree" and many folks are up-in-arms about people who plant it in this part of the world. Apparently it re-seeds quite easily and can be a bit of a pain. But I can't imagine anything quite as charming as an overabundance of pink powder-puff-fluff trees - even if they ARE invasive.
My photos are all rather close-up because I didn't like the surroundings...but there's an entire pool devoted to the Mimosa at Flickr, and a couple better overviews here and here.

Heard a Who today...

2008-06-14T21:09:00.005-04:00

...living on a speck on this little fluffy thing. in Whoville.

Also, went to the JC Raulston Arboretum.
It was really great until a thunderstorm came up and we ran for cover and then lightning struck something and the power went out in the education center. Kevin likened it to Jurassic Park, for some reason. Something to do with the "fossil" leaves in the stone wall of the building and the fact that the power went out and...I don't know...let all the dinosaurs loose?
Whatever.
It was a good day's fun.
Please excuse my inexcusable lapse in posting.

to touch a tree

2008-05-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

I am fascinated by texture and surface quality. I like to touch things that look interesting. I love to feel the paint brushes in an art store, touch the rocks in a science museum, handle all the beads in the make-your-own-jewelry stores. Tasseled lamps and fringe are unbelievably satisfying to me. The little rug samples in hardware stores...silk and velvet in fabric stores...ceramic dishes, and the patterns painted on to them. Flowers with dense centers or fluffy dandelions. Shiny leaves and spongy moss. Do Not Touch signs irritate me. If something begs to be touched, why not? I even feel compelled to touch cacti in a botanical garden. Smooth, slippery, rough, patterned, sharp, hard, rubbery, cold, soft...I'm very tactile. So, it may come as no surprise that I like to touch trees. This tree has amazing surface texture, and I had to restrain myself from pulling it apart. Of course I would never want to damage the tree, but I bet it would be as satisfying as peeling off old wallpaper. And think how smooth and new underneath all that curly bark!

The day of the trees

2008-04-26T19:50:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Arbor Day. The day devoted to planting and caring for trees and a perfect day to remember how important and wonderful they are. I was remiss in posting yesterday, and I wish I could say I was out planting a tree, but I don't have a piece of land on which to do so. So I admired them, instead. (And the best I can do is tell you that today I planted tomatoes).

Let's reflect on Arbor Day for a moment. Our beloved Julius Sterling Morton (along with Robert Furnas) founded this glorious day. Interestingly, Arbor day sprung from the plains of Nebraska which were distinctly lacking trees in the late 1800s. The new pioneers (J. Sterling Morton in particular) saw the importance of bringing trees to this flat, hot and windy land. Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday, and it was officially proclaimed on April 8, 1874.

On the first Arbor Day, "prizes were offered to counties and individuals for planting properly the largest number of trees...It was estimated that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day."

Now, over 100 years later (after many forests and trees have been chopped down) the Nature Conservancy has launched a Plant a Billion Trees campaign, to restore 2.5 million acres of land (and plant 1,000,000,000 trees) in the next 7 years. You can help! I can help! It's only $1 a tree (I think the minimum is 10 trees). So you give a little money, help save the world. And think of the trees! Always think of the trees. If nothing else, check out their cool site where you can watch the little trees sprout and learn about trees that you didn't even know existed! Like the Ice Cream Bean Tree.

Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future.

– Julius Sterling Morton

Earth Day – what can you do?

2008-04-22T22:47:00.003-04:00

In honor of trees on Earth Day, here are a few practical things you can do to help preserve our environment and save a few trees in the meantime:

GreenDimes will actually pay YOU $1 for them to help you stop your junk mail. Why? Because they care about trees and the earth THAT MUCH. Of course, it's not very earth-friendly for them to mail you a check for $1 so you also have the option of having them plant a tree with your dollar. OR...the even better thing to do is to pay the one-time fee of $20 and GreenDimes will automatically take you off lots of mailing lists AND plant 5 trees. If you'd rather not pay, you can manually remove yourself from various catalog and junk mail lists. You may have to go directly to each company's website to do so, but GreenDimes makes it easy. Also, be sure to sign and mail back any postcards from GreenDimes, because some companies require a signature for removal from their mailing list. Do it now! Save trees here.

If you are looking for another way to help get more trees planted on our planet, but perhaps you live in a city or aren't able to plant one yourself (or maybe you just want to help fund the future forests of America)...you're in luck! These folks will do the planting for you! Every single dollar you donate plants a tree. It's so great! Instead of springing for that $4 latte four times, you could fund the planting of 16 trees. It's such an important investment and it's so relatively inexpensive that you practically can't resist. There is a $15 minimum so you'll be funding the planting of at least 15 trees. Your own little grove someday.
There's also a nifty how-to if you need help planting your own tree.

Thanks to Lauren for the very Earth-friendly tree links.

Spring!!

2008-04-13T23:30:00.005-04:00

It's spring here in Carolina and I've finally come up for air (Hurray! Life's been more than a little busy as of late).
Today I had a chance to get out and take some photos, and I'll tell you what...just smelling the spring air and looking at all the nature makes me giddy. I love this time of year when there's bright new color everywhere, and funny things hanging from trees and pretty flowers growing from branches and it's all just lovely and great.
Trees! Trees! Trees!

palm trees, if you please

2008-03-16T22:10:00.002-04:00

In honor of Palm Sunday, let me introduce you to my new favorite tree. Perhaps it's because I grew up in a cold climate, but for some reason I was completely delighted and enthralled with the palm trees when we visited the beach a few weekends ago. Palm trees! They're so weird! furry, pointy, sharp, soft, green, brown, stringy, smooth...so many contradictions in one tree! Ok, these are probably just a momentary, when-I'm-at-the-beach favorite.

But so great! And it turns out there's also a lonely little palm tree in the back yard of my brother's new home in Pensacola...and I must say, he sounded about as excited about it as I would be. Hurray!

YOUR TREES [Icy Winter hangin' on...]

2008-03-10T00:58:00.005-04:00

Special thanks to my dad for these gorgeous tree photos!
If these icy shots weren't so beautiful, I'd almost feel guilty that there are daffodils popping up all over the place around here. Not an icicle in sight. (I wish we'd had at least ONE ice or snow storm this winter...)
Winter always hangs around longer in Upstate New York. But at least the sun was shining after the ice storm!

Tree font

2008-03-07T18:34:00.008-05:00

Considering that I am a graphic designer, I suppose it's appropriate to discuss fonts for a minute. Frequently the word "font" is misused, ("typeface" is usually more accurate) but since we're dealing with trees rather than typography, I suppose we can just call this an "icon font." The one above is appropriately named "Tree assortment." If you'd like to know how your name looks spelled out in little trees, by all means, go here.

Below, an example of the charming font named "Tree."

Makes me wish I was in a treehouse with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

colorless

2008-02-25T21:58:00.005-05:00

Have you ever walked around in a cloud-like state and attributed it to lack of sleep, and then the next day attributed it to the weather, and the next day to what you ate, and then the following week you assumed it was due to lack of exercise and then the next month assumed it was your dysfunctional work environment, not to mention the house is a mess and there are so many things to do and people to write to and places to go, and for heaven's sake, why is the cloud still hanging around your head when you've been sleeping and eating and running? And by the time the trees are fully bare and then starting to sprout again, your head has permanently buried itself in the cloud surrounding it, and will remain stuck right where it is. And when will the trees bloom colors again?

Oh, sweet trees.

Grow this!

2008-02-17T14:44:00.013-05:00

Imagine my complete and utter delight to come upon this little treasure in a local independent toy store. A Magic Tree! Crystals! Watch it grow! In a few hours! There was absolutely no way I could pass it up, and so I decided to document the process of growing my first Magic Tree. What could be easier? You mix the crystal powder with a tiny bit of water...pour it into a dish...and in a few hours you have a magic tree. And it looks rather like a Dr. Seuss Tree, don't you think?

Magic! You actually CAN watch the crystals grow, which is completely awesome.
Important things to note: (taken from the back of the package)
1) COMPLETELY ARTIFICIAL
2) Adults and children of all ages will be delighted to receive this small treasure.
3) Miniature saucer not included.
4) Mailable.
5) It will even grow in a refrigerator.

By now you are undoubtedly wondering "where can I get myself one of these magical wonders with the imperative on the package, demanding that I grow one?"
Look no further than magic garden, where you can also purchase a Magic Dinosaur or a completely real, not-at-all-artificial Peanut Tree. I have 2 on order, and look forward to also growing peanuts.

trees in winter

2008-02-11T11:40:00.001-05:00

patiently waiting for spring.

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

I currently live in the south, where we are rarely graced with even a flake this time of year. So in an effort to bring more fluffy white trees to my blog this winter, I am recycling some of last year's trees from an April storm in upstate New York. I had flown north for a "spring" wedding and ended up stranded by a foot of snow. Ah...so glorious! Couldn't work, couldn't get home...so naturally, we played in the snow.

Living on a tree

2008-01-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

In case you don't know, you absolutely must: You can live in a palm tree. Or, rather, on one. We humans have actually shaped the land (played God, if you will) and created Palm tree islands in Dubai, sticking out into the Persian Gulf.

OK, so you can only live here if you have millions of dollars.

These are (or will be) the three largest man-made islands in the world. (one is still barely begun, but when finished, it will put the other two to shame). Currently, The Palm Jumeirah is considered the Eighth man-made wonder of the world. "Helping solve Dubai’s beach shortage, the island has doubled Dubai’s existing coastline and will also double the number of beachfront hotels in the city."
Ironically, I don't imagine there are too many trees growing on these homemade tree islands. Can anyone verify this? Has anyone been there? Does anyone have anything good to say about these extravagant, opulent, arboreal (FAKE!!) islands?

Resigned

2008-01-18T10:45:00.000-05:00

"I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do."

– Willa Cather

(Thanks, Blue!)

tree top

2008-01-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

I'd like to climb up there.

Ansel Adams

2008-01-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

Today's featured artist is Ansel Adams - a master of breathtaking black and white landscape photography. I've collected several of his famous tree photographs here.

Adams was a pianist, photographer, writer and environmentalist born in San Francisco in 1902. He loved nature from a very young age and spent a great deal of time hiking, exploring and photographing in Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. Adams was devoted to conservation issues, and fought hard to protect areas of American wilderness from development. He also worked to promote photography as fine art and played a role in establishing the first department of photography at the MOMA.

See more photos here and here.

I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us.

- Ansel Adams (1902-1984)

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Tree

2007-12-23T23:51:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas trees. I love LOVE the smell of pine mingling with the plastic-y burning scent of cheap Christmas lights. I love sitting in a room lit only from the tree lights (and perhaps a fire in the fireplace) with Christmas music silently playing, staring at the ornaments, maybe sipping tea or cider, and...well, that's what we call "having Christmas Tree." Ahh.

Sadly, I did not have my own Christmas tree this year but a visit to New York City to see the crème de la crème of Christmas trees was sufficient.

(Photo by wallyg at Flickr.)

This Manhattan wonder is referred to by locals simply as "The Tree." The first tree at Rockefeller Center actually predated the Center itself (erected amidst construction rubble by workmen in 1931) but ever since 1933, there's been a tree (sometimes 2 or 3) on display at Rockefeller Center. Check out the timeline with photos and stories of all the trees over the past 75 years here. The first tree was a mere 20 feet tall, but today the top branches reach 85 feet! The tallest Christmas tree at Rockefeller reached 100 feet. My grandma, a New Yorker for over 50 years, claims that the best trees were the ones with the big lights all over them. This year, however, the tree is covered in LED lights, and solar panels have been constructed on the roof of the Center to help power the lights. So, as they say, this is the first year the tree has been "green."

You simply must check out the Tree Guy Blog and watch the journey of the tree from its first home in Connecticut to it's last home in the big city. There is a point during which the tree "flies" through the air, and I'd love to have seen it, though I find the whole thing a bit sad. The good news is that The Tree will be recycled in January and if you live in New York City you can bring your own tree to MulchFest 2008 to be ground into wood chips for trees and gardens.

After seeing the big tree, I came home to help my parents put up and decorate their own small tree...and managed to get sap on my jeans, arms, and even the bottom of my slipper. The pine smell is delicious. Here are some more famous Christmas trees:

More Leaves!!!

2007-11-19T22:46:00.001-05:00

I could look at these colorful trees all day...

Here's to Julius

2007-11-12T23:57:00.000-05:00

"The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see it become universal."

– Julius Sterling Morton
(founder of Arbor Day)

Apple Picking!

2007-11-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite memories of this time of year growing up in Upstate New York is apple picking. Every year we'd bundle up, mom would pack a picnic lunch, and we'd pile into the car and head to Littletree Orchards. Other families and friends would usually come, and while all the parents would get out the bushel baskets and begin picking Empires (the local favorite) us kids would run free among (what seemed like) miles and rows and rows of apple trees! The orchard was called "Littletree" for a reason. Even as children, we could reach the branches and pick a perfectly crisp, ripe apple from the tree and rub a shiny spot just large enough to take a juicy bite before tossing it away and running to another tree for different type of apple. My favorites were a huge, green, very crisp variety called (appropriately) Crispin or Mutsu. I also loved the Macoun - some of them were so large I had to use two hands to hold one apple in order to bite into it.

Ahh...I miss those NY apples. They do NOT taste the same anywhere else - they have to be fresh! I don't like apples when I'm not in NY.

At some point after we had worked up an appetite, mom would get out the cider and powdered donuts, and we'd have a snack, and then my dad would organize a contest. We all had to try to find and bring back the best apple in a range of categories, such as: "Largest," "Most Red," "Smallest," (some of us would bring back berries and try to pass them off as apples), and occasionally there was the creative contestant - One year my sister was the self-declared winner of the "Most-Rotten-Apple-Still-Hanging-On-The-Tree" category.

The final hurrah was at the top of the little hill in the clearing, when the boys would have batting practice with icky apples that had fallen onto the ground. It was messy and funny and just a wonderful time.

***

For the record...I didn't take these photos. I refuse to go apple picking in North Carolina. I can't WAIT to go home for Thanksgiving and have some Cornell Apple Cider. The best in the world! You should all be thoroughly jealous.

Nature's Craftperson

2007-11-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, now it's chilly here, and finally feels like autumn. This little tree looked so whimsical today in the sunny breeze I just had to show you all. It seemed to me that someone had strategically Scotch-taped fake paper leaves to a bare tree skeleton. Seriously! Look at this leaf:

Mother Nature got a bit carried away with the hole-puncher.

Apple pie, apple cider, apple butter

2007-10-22T00:11:00.001-04:00

This weekend was full of apples, pumpkins, and tigers. It was a perfect fall weekend (though still a bit hot here in North Carolina).
Prettiest tree of the day:

Festival of the Trees #16 - Fade to Color (Seasons Change)

2007-10-02T00:44:00.000-04:00

WELCOME! Welcome, tree-lovers, friends and strangers to the 16th Festival of the Trees, the monthly blog carnival for all things arboreal.

Every year, right about now, my dad likes to say:

"I like fall, the leaves and all."

Ah. Me too. I LOVE this time of year. It thrills me to the bones to smell the crisp air, feel the chill on a perfectly clear brilliant day and hear the crunch of leaves under my feet. And the trees! How amazing that we are surrounded by such color in nature.
Ok...I'm jumping the gun a little. It's only October 2nd, and in North Carolina most of the trees are still green (see the above photo). But autumn in all it's splendor is just around the corner in this part of the world...
So let's watch as the season changes, and the the green earth fades to color...

Let's start with a simple haiku and a colorless tree. Kevin at Rural Cemetery Movements shares a fantastic line drawing at Five Falling Leaves and the season begins to change.

If you're up for a majestic hike in the Pacific Northwest, Marja-Leena Rathje can take you there, to the forests of Vancouver's backyard. It's a wonderful world where the trees are tall or soft and peaceful. The trees are still green here. Explore more of her art and writing here.

Speaking of being Green...It's not easy, especially in the city. But the trees grow on...season after season, and they just adapt and change as necessary.

Karen at Rurality spent a weekend here, at Shiloh National Military Park looking for artifacts and pondering the history of the trees on the battlefield. My favorite are the "Two big Water Oaks near the Visitor's center." Imagine how colorful they'll be in a month or so!

Windywillow has shared a beautiful tribute to her favorite tree - the calming and mysterious Willow. You can enjoy her photos as well as a lovely video clip of willows blowing in the wind. Enchanting!

A thank you to Paul Lester (and the Chinese philosopher) for a thought about the "Usefulness" of trees. Lovely photography. And thanks to Maria for the reflection on the "Pricelessness" of trees.

And now a word about Black Walnuts and Burma. Dave at Via Negativa discusses the far corners of the world and the season change in his own back yard - in the form of Black Walnuts thumping on the roof. And frizzyLogic has some beautiful photos of "conkers," or horse chestnuts (for those Americans who've never heard of a "conker" - myself included). This seems to be the season for nuts, for the WildWoodsWoman has been shoveling acorns off the ground. All this talk about nuts reminds me of one of my favorite childhood trees...the hickory tree in front of our house that got chopped down when the road was widened. So sad. Ah well. Seasons change...

Speaking of seasons changing, Wren of Wrenaissance Reflections takes a moment to remember trees of the past. Notice all the new life surrounding these past trees! And in New Jersey, this is the season of mushrooms. John at A DC Birding Blog spotted some fantastic fungi, clinging to a tree past.

Tall Girl, at Smoke and Ash has witnessed a curious autumn ritual (of sorts) here. She saw some extraordinary trees on a lunchtime walk, as she climbed "nearer to the sky."

Jade Blackwater of Arboreality, gives us a first glimpse of autumn at Tobyhanna. Finally some color! And now autumn, or "The Changeling" slowly begins to "work his magic" through the poetic words of Beloved Dreamer.

And for some real fall color, check out a few gorgeous Flickr sets that I happened upon:
Here and here. The second is autumn in a Japanese garden, and I can't think of a more gorgeous setting for photographs. The set has some breathtaking trees.

And lastly, three of my favorite things in the world are trees, tea, and clay and they are combined here in an amazing ceramic gallery that I've just discovered (Thanks, Mom!).

Well that's it for this month's festival!
Thank you all for your submissions and suggestions. Next month Windywillow will be hosting the Festival of the Trees. Please send your creepy tree-related submissions to: silviasalix (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk. (The deadline is Oct. 26, to give Silvia time to prepare a special Halloween edition!). If you have any questions, you will probably find answers here.

Here's to the trees!

Leaning Tree

2007-09-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

Here's a leaning beauty. This one actually caused me gasp in wonder as I was driving along, and I don't think I captured it in the photograph. But it was just so interesting and crooked and wonderful. Why is it reaching? I don't know. Most trees on the side of the road stick to the side of the road. But not this guy. It KNOWS something. I just can't figure out WHAT.

I like trees that lean.

Tree of the day - extreme closeup

2007-09-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

Weird, dead pod-like-thing hanging from a branch.

young tree

2007-09-04T23:51:00.000-04:00

This could be the tree Egon was painting.

On Fools and Wise Men

2007-09-03T14:39:00.000-04:00

"A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees."

– William Blake, (in The Marriage of Heaven and Hell)

Oldest tree in the world

2007-08-28T23:17:00.000-04:00

"Methuselah", a bristlecone pine, is the oldest known tree in the world. It is, in fact, the oldest still-living organism documented on earth. (!!)

The tree in the photo above is not Methuselah. U.S. Forest service, in order to protect it's anonymity, will not disclose the exact location of the oldest-tree-in-the-world, but you get a 360 degree view of the "Methuselah Grove" here, which is in the White Mountains of California. So cool! These bristlecone pines seem to live forever.

Methuselah the tree is about 4,839 years old. That's very old. This ancient tree actually sprouted in 2832 BC and grew for about 485 years during the life (should you choose to believe this) of the Biblical Methuselah, who supposedly lived to be 969. Of course...the Biblical character would have been living somewhere in the Middle East, whereas both the oldest and the tallest trees in the world can be found in California, USA.

What a life. Imagine the stories...

(The screen shots below are taken from a Nova News Minute that can be viewed here). This is what Methuselah actually looks like:

YOUR TREES [South Africa]

2007-08-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Millicent for sending me these two gorgeous tree photographs, taken on a ranch near Nylstroom, South Africa.

Do you have a great tree photo that you'd like me to post? Please feel free to send it to me at treesifyouplease {at} gmail {dot} com.

Egon Schiele

2007-08-21T22:27:00.000-04:00

Today's featured artist is Egon Schiele, who lived from 1890 to 1918, and then died of the flu (I'm so glad I didn't live back then). He was young and Austrian. The themes of his work were often death and sex, and many of his paintings are twisted and erotic. He did many self-portraits and looking at his work, you might form an image of the quintessential "tortured artist."

Schiele was heavily influenced by his friend, Gustav Klimt - another wonderful, intriguing painter.

I am choosing, of course, to highlight his few minimalist paintings of trees - some of the best tree art I've seen. More of his work can be seen here.

Gum tree?

2007-08-15T19:49:00.000-04:00

I love this tree. It is a Eucalyptus tree. But I am American. My knowledge of Eucalyptus comes from seeing various bunches of dried (and dyed?) Eucalyptus leaves in too-smelly craft stores or in the houses of women who hang a wreath for every season.

But these guys are the real deal. They could probably tell me whether there are actually pink Eucalyptus trees Down Under, and might even be offended to see what Americans are doing with the "Gum tree" leaves. Or am I showing my ignorance? Is this type of Eucalyptus even called a Gum Tree?

From what I can tell, this tree is a Eucalyptus Cinerea, also called an Argyle apple, Silver-leaved Stringybark or Mealy Stringybark. It's so pretty. And less than 50 steps away from my front door.

Figs and Ficus

2007-08-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

My dear friends, I apologize for my absence. I've been indisposed as of late, and am just now resurfacing. (It was a much longer recovery than I could have imagined it would be!)

Let me tell you about my latest discovery. Much to my surprise and delight, there is a fig tree, not 50 paces from my front door. I've often passed this tree on the way to the pool, and noticed the strange, bulbous green growths, but had no idea what they could be. An exited neighbor (a couple weeks ago) enlightened me that it was, in fact, a fig tree, and that there was an abundance of nearly ripe figs just about to burst.

Well, then along came my surgery and it took me quite a while to get out of the house to walk even those 50 steps with my camera. But I have recovered. I took a few (unexciting) photos, but I think I missed most of the ripe fruit, though I imagine they were bursting off the trees last week while I was lying on the couch watching the entire Season 1 and 2 of Grey's Anatomy (pathetic, I know).

I have since learned that fig trees are in the ficus genus, which I found interesting because all I really know about ficus trees is that they are finicky, hard to grow, and they drop their leaves when they aren't happy. (This could be a vast generalization based on the case of the sad little indoor ficus that the BF and his siblings killed by confining it to a dark, dreary room and throwing it only a cupful of water every few weeks. Once I found out, it was much too late to save...)

(In his defense, he's done a remarkable job watering the tomato plants as of late).

You'll see that the fig tree is also right next to a cool Eucalyptus tree. More on that tomorrow...

"Song of the Open Road"

2007-07-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

I think that I shall never see
A billboard lovely as a tree;

Indeed, unless the billboards fall
I'll never see a tree at all.

– Ogden Nash, (1902 - 1971)

Ginkgo Biloba

2007-07-22T23:19:00.000-04:00

Walking through town the other day, I came upon this Ginkgo tree. I can clearly remember the first time my mom pointed out a Ginkgo to my sister and me - the distinctive shape of the leaves was forever etched in my mind and I've taken pride in being able to identifying a Ginkgo from that day forward. Not that it's difficult. Once you've seen one, you won't forget it. The fan-shaped leaves and bright golden color in the autumn make it easy to recognize.

But I've just learned something fascinating about the Ginkgo tree. It is considered a "living fossil," which basically means that it lived during ancient times, was once thought to be extinct, but then was rediscovered, and still exists today in a form very similar to the fossils of its prehistoric ancestors. The horseshoe crab and the cockroach have changed very little over millions of years, and are also considered living fossils.

Scientists do not know whether the Ginkgo tree still exists in the wild because it has been cultivated and tended for thousands of years by Chinese monks. The monks may have helped keep the species alive when it otherwise may have gone extinct. In any case, the Ginkgo is a wonderful tree. A brilliant example of longevity. And Ginkgo extract has also been used medicinally to help circulatory disorders and enhance memory.

May the Ginkgo live another 270 million years!

The Pride of Statesville, North Carolina

2007-07-18T22:28:00.000-04:00

Calling all collectors of old postcards! Or Tar Heels! There is currently an exhibit of old North Carolina postcards in the North Carolina Collection Gallery in Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But...if you can't get there to see it, you're in luck – North Carolina Postcards is a digital project that contains over 800 images of postcards from the Tar Heel State online (just a sampling of the more than 12,000 NC postcards held in the Photographic Archives of the North Carolina Collection at UNC Chapel Hill). It's kinda cool if you're into old postcards or historical images. Or North Carolina. You can search by location or subject, or just browse (like I did. I'm a sucker for stuff kept in the archives of any library).

While you're at it, check out "North Carolina Miscellany," to get more culture, history, and literature from the Tar Heel State. It's a blog kept by the folks over at the North Carolina Collection. I must say, North Carolina has treated me well these past 4 and a half years, though I'll always be a northern girl at heart.

DEAR CALVERT. HAVE YOU BEEN SKATING? I HAVE. DO YOU LIKE POSSUM? LOVE FROM JANE.

Hyperion, the tree

2007-07-10T22:07:00.000-04:00

There is a new "Tallest Tree In The World." Three, in fact. Last September (2006) three giant Coast Redwoods were found to be taller than the previous record holder, Stratosphere Giant. Our new winners, Hyperion, Helios and Icarus, all put old Strat to shame. Hyperion, our beloved winner (and Tallest-Living-Thing-In-The-World) is 379.1 feet (115.55 m) tall. That's more than 72 of me stacked up on top of myself! It's also 75 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and more than one third the height of the Eiffel Tower.

Don't you just love trees with names?

The photo above may or may not be Hyperion (probably not). The exact location of the tree is not being disclosed for fear of too many visitors who may disrupt the surrounding ecosystem, or try to climb old Hype. I don't blame them. I'd love to see these trees. We do know that they reside in a remote area of Redwood National Park in California.

Read more about it here
and here.
(That last link is a really cool website about Redwoods and has some amazing tree pictures.

Creepy tree

2007-07-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Here's today's "makes-me-feel-like-I'm-in-a-scary-movie" tree.

Emily Leonard

2007-07-03T23:42:00.000-04:00

Today's featured artist is Emily Leonard.
Emily is “always looking for a place that hints of both past memory and future awareness.” In one of her artist statements, she describes her thoughts about space and spaces; spaces between people, places, objects... I've not seen any of these paintings in person, but my sister has, and found them "personally moving." Check out more of Emily's work: www.emilyleonard.com.

Tryst

2007-07-02T08:57:00.000-04:00

"I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech tree or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines."
– Henry David Thoreau

Forever green

2007-06-28T00:08:00.001-04:00

Some sort of interesting evergreen tree. Isn't it marvelous? Looks like dancing fingers. I just love looking at trees this closely. It makes me feel like I know a secret. I feel fairy-sized, like I can tiptoe up a branch if I wish. Click on the photos above for their full size. You'll see what I mean.

Plum tree

2007-06-24T11:52:00.000-04:00

Today I saw a plum tree. I actually discovered it yesterday as I was taking a walk in Arlington, VA (while visiting a friend) and the sidewalk suddenly became sticky and red. I was astonished to find my feet surrounded by squished plums and exposed pits. I don't believe I'd ever even considered the existence of plum trees, and there I was, standing directly under one. I looked up and saw the little fruits hanging in small clusters and could faintly detect the unmistakable scent of fresh plum juice.

Today I returned with my camera so I could share my discovery. Are plum trees common? I have no idea. I've never encountered one before that I can recall. There were so many neglected fallen plums that I expect the novelty has worn off for those who live with the tree. But I think I would enjoy having a fruit tree in my yard. The only (and very significant) aversion I have to it is that it appears that plum trees attract squirrels. Evil, black ones. I watched as one Evil Black Squirrel would nibble a plum for a while, and then throw the rest of it to the ground, and move on to the next one. Do NOT get me started on squirrels...

Seriously. (you can see the little bastard approaching the tree if you click on the photo above and view it larger).

But back to the plum tree. It was a lovely discovery and I felt that I couldn't walk away without tasting one. There were a few plump ones on the ground, but as I couldn't be sure whether or not an Evil Black Squirrel had thrown them down, I felt it best to pick one from the tree. I did so, and took a bite, and it was delicious. A bit tart, but I suppose that's because I didn't want to risk squirrel disease and picked one slightly under ripe. I ate the rest and walked away satisfied.

City tree

2007-06-21T21:21:00.000-04:00

As much as I love the thought of urban life, there is something sad to me about trees in the city. They don't have the fresh air that country trees get to breathe, and I assume they can't spread their roots as easily because of the buildings and streets and sewers and everything else below street level. They always seem a little lonely and resigned, and tired. The incessant city noise must be tiring if you are a tree.

Yet, as I am planning a move to Brooklyn next year, perhaps I should begin to view city trees differently or I will undoubtedly become terribly depressed.

Looking again at my little tree friend above, I believe I can see a determined strength in it's young branches. I imagine it finds great joy in reaching as high as it can to find the sun's rays that are frequently blocked by the tall buildings. I think I would probably actually be quite pleased to come upon this little tree again when I move to NY and perhaps it's not as sad as I once thought. I certainly hope not.

The Giving Tree

2007-06-17T21:45:00.001-04:00

Perhaps one of the best books about a tree, EVER. The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein is a heartfelt tale of a tree and the little boy she loves. It is a thought-provoking story that raises questions and might bring a tear to your eye. There is controversy surrounding the story because it can be interpreted many ways, and while beautiful and hopeful to some, it comes across as cruel and offensive to others. I think this is the nature of any good story...it will touch each reader differently and evoke varying emotions - hope, fear, nostalgia, joy, pain, curiosity, admiration. Whatever the case for you when you read The Giving Tree, it is worth reading.

As a side note, Silverstein is one of my favorite childhood poets and illustrators. His humor is a bit twisted and his line drawings are hilarious. You may be familiar with the poem below, but if not - you should be (this has absolutely nothing to do with trees, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless).

Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout

Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout
Would not take the garbage out.
She'd wash the dishes and scrub the pans
Cook the yams and spice the hams,
And though her parents would scream and shout,
She simply would not take the garbage out.
And so it piled up to the ceiling:
Coffee grounds, potato peelings,
Brown bananas and rotten peas,
Chunks of sour cottage cheese.
It filled the can, it covered the floor,
It cracked the windows and blocked the door,
With bacon rinds and chicken bones,
Drippy ends of ice cream cones,
Prune pits, peach pits, orange peels,
Gloppy glumps of cold oatmeal,
Pizza crusts and withered greens,
Soggy beans, and tangerines,
Crusts of black-burned buttered toast,
Grisly bits of beefy roast.
The garbage rolled on down the halls,
It raised the roof, it broke the walls,
I mean, greasy napkins, cookie crumbs,
Blobs of gooey bubble gum,
Cellophane from old bologna,
Rubbery, blubbery macaroni,
Peanut butter, caked and dry,
Curdled milk, and crusts of pie,
Rotting melons, dried-up mustard,
Eggshells mixed with lemon custard,
Cold French fries and rancid meat,
Yellow lumps of Cream of Wheat.
At last the garbage reached so high
That finally it touched the sky,
And none of her friends would come to play,
And all of her neighbors moved away;
And finally, Sarah Cynthia Stout
Said, "Okay, I'll take the garbage out!"
But then, of course it was too late,
The garbage reached across the state,
From New York to the Golden Gate;
And there in the garbage she did hate
Poor Sarah met an awful fate
That I cannot right now relate
Because the hour is much too late
But children, remember Sarah Stout,
And always take the garbage out.

4 in a row

2007-06-16T16:52:00.000-04:00

There's something very charming about these 4 trees, though the photo is not the greatest. My apologies for that. I would like to invite any of my readers with more tree knowledge than me (for I'm sure you're out there) to comment on any post in which I don't seem to know what I'm talking about. Do you know what type of tree I've shown? Do you have a fun fact about trees? Post!

For example, did you know that Oak trees can start producing acorns after 20 years, but some trees live to be 50 before their first acorn production?

I have discovered that there are other tree lovers out there with their own tree blogs. I intend to keep discovering them and sharing them here. Please check my links frequently for updates. For now, if you're dying to find more arboreal links, try Festival of the Trees.

henrie

2007-06-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

Today's featured artist is Cary Henrie. I just absolutely love his paintings. I fell in love with them on a visit to a gallery in Seattle and have been wishing I could imitate his work ever since, just to have a painting like this hanging in my house (because I'm sure I can't afford one of his). Henrie's work is even more amazing in person. The texture on the canvas is incredible, and of course I am drawn to the trees...They are peaceful. Beautiful.
see more of his work here and here and here.

sprouts

2007-06-12T23:23:00.000-04:00

Whenever I see new little leaves I get quite excited. These could each become a great big branch someday. Seriously, it's as if I've just discovered how trees grow...just this year. Walking along a nature trail in early spring I was amazed to see new little sprouts growing from what looked like dead tree branches. In my head, I know this happens every year. That's what autumn is all about...the leaves change colors and fall off, and the trees are bare all winter. Then, the leaves grow back in the spring. It's all so simple, really. But for some reason I really took notice this year and it seemed amazing. All those dead-looking, bare winter trees everywhere...they all come back to life. Little buds and leaves grow right through the "dead" bark. They are determined to grow, and I love it. New little sprouts. They're alive! Trees are alive. How cool is that. I love looking at trees close-up – it offers a good change in perspective.

"Trees"

2007-06-09T21:31:00.000-04:00

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

– Joyce Kilmer, 1913

Bound

2007-06-07T22:17:00.000-04:00

Today's featured artist is Philippa Lawrence, and her project, "Bound." Her travels around Wales gave her a great appreciation for the land, and led to this project of "wrapping" old, dead trees, bringing them into the public eye. Her work celebrates these beautiful trees that otherwise may have been overlooked or passed by. These photographs document the project and can be purchased at her site. I think they are amazing. Check out her site and see more bound trees:
www.philippalawrence.com/f/p_bound.html

Misunderstanding trees

2007-06-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

"A tree is a tree. How many more do you have to look at?"
– Ronald Reagan, 1966

How sad for him.

Secret gardens and church yards.

2007-06-03T22:33:00.000-04:00

Some of the best trees have a backdrop of an old chapel or an ancient cemetery. This little beauty is situated in a lovely garden just outside the National Cathedral. The garden has a certain nostalgia about it, as many gardens do, and there are a few hidden areas along stone paths that make it feel quite like a secret garden. Perhaps one day I'll have a large garden in my back yard with a stone pool and fountains and trees and secret paths.

I'd expect to see a tree with this type of personality to be much, much older and wiser. It looks almost too small and thin to have such ancient looking, gnarled branches. It's like when you see a baby and it looks just like an old man. An old man in the body of a small child. It's sort of creepy.

On trees and grape leaves.

2007-05-17T09:41:00.000-04:00

This curious creation can be seen in the Cornell Plantations Arboretum in Ithaca, NY. Home, sweet, home. Gorges. Just gorgeous. I like the stringy spaghetti-like things hanging from this tree, and the wide flat leaves that remind me of grape leaves...which, incidentally, are one of my favorite things to eat from the local Mediterranean deli (stuffed, that is). SOOOO good.
This is a personable tree, don't you think? It looks clumsy and a little confused or sad, but funny. Dr. Seuss would probably approve. Definitely.

big tree, little car

2007-05-13T21:13:00.000-04:00

This car belongs to the bf and runs on 100% biodiesel, usually from the local co-op. Big trees, little cars. I think that's how it should be.

a truffula tree, perhaps?

2007-05-08T22:59:00.000-04:00

Some of my all-time favorite trees are those created by Dr. Seuss – not a real doctor, but absolutely a genius, as far as I'm concerned. A "Dr. Seuss tree" can't be exactly described, as it is fantastical, but we all know such a tree when we happen upon it in our everyday lives. It will look like it does not quite belong in a world where we take ourselves so terribly seriously. The one above looks like it was transplanted directly off the pages of a Dr. Seuss story, and I have an irresistibly childlike urge to touch it. To squish it. to sit on one of its tufts, perhaps as Horton would have sat upon his nest in another Dr. Seuss tree. I expect that there's at least one Lorax who calls this tree home.

I must not take credit for this photo. It was taken in Switzerland and I discovered it on iStockphoto, which is an amazing stock illustration and photo site that changed my life (or at least my job) once I discovered it. Try it. You won't be disappointed and you won't believe what a dollar will buy.

snowy trees.

2007-05-01T12:43:00.000-04:00

I know it's May and we're in the midst of a beautiful spring, and it's currently 82 degrees outside...but I feel compelled to share this magical photo before summer gets any closer. It was taken only 2 weeks ago near Ithaca, NY. There was almost a foot of snow and it felt like Narnia. The trees were heavy, peaceful, and immensely beautiful.

Trees covered in thick, fluffy snow is definitely on my list of favorite things to look at in this world. Who doesn't like fluffy white trees?

a closer look.

2007-04-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

I don't know much about trees. Except that I really like them. A lot. I frequently find myself distracted by trees while driving. It's dangerous, I suppose, but I just find them so fascinating and beautiful. Or ugly. I like ugly trees, too, even though I rarely find them ugly. On days when I've lost perspective, and feel "blah," or on lousy mornings when the world seems exceptionally dull...sometimes I'll see a perfect tree, and forget everything for a moment. Perhaps it's a funny little round one. Or a fluffy pink one. Or a really really tall skinny one. Or a crooked Dr. Seuss tree...(those are the best). As sappy as this little story may sound...it's true. Trees have brought a smile to my face when nothing else could. *sigh*

Thus...this blog...my homage to trees.

When you look at some trees very, very closely, you may see interesting pod-like things. I have no idea what they are. But I like them.

we must begin somewhere.

2007-04-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

And so we do. Here is today's tree photo of the day.
Everyone loves fluffy white trees.