Trees in Winter
January 23rd, 2012
This weekend we found a big fluffy cedar down in the driveway. It was only about twelve years old so shouldn’t have fallen. No wind. No apparent disease. Just gave up the ghost. (What DOES that really mean??) Meanwhile, we’re taking down lots of truly dead trees along our lane, ripping out ivy, and securing the fenceposts. Nothing makes a property look so derelict as broken fences! Winter is the best time to get these chores done. I was just thinking that when I saw Jeff Minnich’s blog on tree work. He’s a landscape designer in the D.C area who often comments on this blog . Take a look at his charming and informative blog: http://www.minnichgardendesign.com/blog/?p=351.
Frances – I couldn’t get the link to work. Not sure why. Message: URL is not valid and cannot be loaded. FYI.
Steve–try now!!! Thanks for letting me know. Frances
It looks like your blog platform is altering the link, making it lead nowhere. Try this. (if you allow html – if not, http://www.minnichgardendesign.com/blog/?p=351)
Sydney–Thank you–not sure what the problem was. It worked on I pad. But YOU solved it. Thanks! Frances
Buongiourno Frances Mayes. As many others have decared, I have been a fan since I first read Under the Tuscan Sun. I happened on the book before it became famous and thought it would be interesting, especially since I had lived in Italy (Formia, between Rome and Naples). I visited once since then and now after several more years I would like to return with my daughter, son-in-law and five-year old grand-daughter (she calls me “Nonna”). You mentioned in some of your writings how much there is for such young children to do and see. I also would like to stay in a central location and make side trips. The trouble is I love all parts of Italy, north and south, so its hard to decide where that should be. We’ll have approximately two weeks. One reason foreign travel is good for children is that it is so much easier to learn a language when young. It would be nice for her to connect with Italian children. I’m asking a lot in a short span of time, but if you have suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you. I travel to Chapel Hill sometimes and would like to hear you speak if there is the opportunity. Thanks for all the vicarious travels you’ve given me.
Hi Frances,
It IS odd when trees randomly give up the ghost. Hecate (http://hecatedemeter.wordpress.com) put a very moving link on her blog about two Redwoods falling in Sequoia National Forest. It was their time. Here’s a link to the Youtube (hope it works–may have to copy and paste): http://youtu.be/g2Yc8NXyM8U
I’ve mourned for every tree I’ve lost. And I think of the new spot opened up by the loss as a new opportunity, for a new and different plant.
Thanks for the mention!
Best,
Jeff
Thanks for the link to this blog Frances.
We lost a huge fir tree one night during Christmas. The kids were at home and still not in bed and heard it all, my husband woke up when the tree fell right outside our window, I kept on sleeping. No they never believe me if I say I´ve had a bad night
After the storm came heavy snow and the fallen tree is now completely covered, waiting for spring. No winter gardening up here.
http://brittarnhildshouseinthewoods.typepad.com/brittarnhilds_house_in_th/2011/12/after-the-storm.html
This silly yellow Mr.Smiley is making my eyes water, let me fetch my sun glasses! Better now! Frances, I enjoy all your writings and they bring me back home, because I am a full blood European, born there, but living in the US. Your books & stories are delicious, your English helps me to improve my English (aha!). Many of us truly love the fruits of your pen! No questions from me here, you are busy, I understand. Mais un grand merci a vous!! Anne
Dear Frances,
We saved a massive poinciana tree that fell on a cottage next door. The landscape workers climbed all over the tree, removing limbs and then pulled it upright with their equipment. They staked it in place, and it’s still there four years since with beautiful red blooms as our reward. The birds and other wildlife suffer when the trees are gone. I enjoy the variety of subjects on your website. I’m re-reading your book, “A Year in the World,” and my favorite section is Portugal. I visited most of the same areas with a friend in 1989. I wholeheartedly agree that it is wonderful place.
Dear Frances, thanks for all your blog entries…always a pleasure! Just wanted to point out though that old, truly dead trees are the perfect, very-welcomed home for millions and millions of organisms…and our tidyness and the lets-get-rid-of-them-fashion makes it harder for all these creatures to find a home. That’s why we leave a couple of stems and and old cherry tree in our garden, to give insects, fungis etc a home, too. Just to raise a bit of awaireness
All the best to you, Frank