{Wondering about the significance of the Memorial Tree? Read Part 1 here}
The Memorial Tree (Rhus typhina "Bailtiger") is always the very last plant in my garden to awaken in the spring. In fact, by the first day of summer, the leaves still haven't completely unfurled. Oh, but when this little tree comes to life, it is a sight to behold!
The leaves begin in beautiful shades of red and orange, opening up like tendrils of flame...
But as they grow, the leaves turns to a bright yellow-green...
And by spring's end, about half the leaves have fully expanded...
Here, the open leaves mingle with the ones still unfurling...
And here is my little Memorial Tree at the end of spring...
I planted the Memorial Tree almost three years ago, in the fall of 2008. Since then, it has doubled in size, now standing about 3 feet tall. Each year, a new branch grows off the main trunk, and slowly my little plant is taking on the shape of a tree, not just a stick with leaves. The trunk has a lovely crooked form, which will become even more intriguing as time goes by.
This tree has survived our unusually cold winters the past few years and seems to do fine in a container. It does dry out during the summer and needs to be watered regularly to keep the leaves from coloring and dropping early. And of course, it gives the best fall color in full sun.
I love the many growth stages of the Memorial Tree, and it is a beautiful and unique addition to my garden. And every time the buds open in spring and new life unfurls, it is a tangible reminder of hope born anew, healing after grief, God in all the beauty.
And that's a reminder I can always use.
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The Memorial Tree (Rhus typhina "Bailtiger") is always the very last plant in my garden to awaken in the spring. In fact, by the first day of summer, the leaves still haven't completely unfurled. Oh, but when this little tree comes to life, it is a sight to behold!
The leaves begin in beautiful shades of red and orange, opening up like tendrils of flame...
But as they grow, the leaves turns to a bright yellow-green...
And by spring's end, about half the leaves have fully expanded...
Here, the open leaves mingle with the ones still unfurling...
And here is my little Memorial Tree at the end of spring...
I planted the Memorial Tree almost three years ago, in the fall of 2008. Since then, it has doubled in size, now standing about 3 feet tall. Each year, a new branch grows off the main trunk, and slowly my little plant is taking on the shape of a tree, not just a stick with leaves. The trunk has a lovely crooked form, which will become even more intriguing as time goes by.
This tree has survived our unusually cold winters the past few years and seems to do fine in a container. It does dry out during the summer and needs to be watered regularly to keep the leaves from coloring and dropping early. And of course, it gives the best fall color in full sun.
I love the many growth stages of the Memorial Tree, and it is a beautiful and unique addition to my garden. And every time the buds open in spring and new life unfurls, it is a tangible reminder of hope born anew, healing after grief, God in all the beauty.
And that's a reminder I can always use.
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