Planting the future…
The planting of a tree, especially one of the long-living hardwood trees, is a gift which you can make to posterity at almost no cost and with almost no trouble, and if the tree takes root it will far outlive the visible effect of any of your other actions, good or evil.
George Orwell
By George, I’d like to come back a hundred years from now and see my trees.
Gifford Pinchot
Last autumn, I had the opportunity to revisit “Grey Towers”, the historic home of Gifford Pinchot, the first person to serve as the head of the US Forest Service. Like his friend and peer, Teddy Roosevelt, he was dedicated to careful conservation in America and was considered the first educated forester in the states. He loved gardens and trees as is reflected in the beautiful grounds of Grey Towers.
Gifford’s favorite tree was the European Copper Beech, so he had eight of them planted on the Grey Tower’s property. The quote above reflects his love for the trees as well as his foresight for the future. He KNEW that he would never get to see the trees grow to maturity, but he had them planted anyway…for the joy of future generations. A living legacy!
Over my life, I’ve planted many trees myself. There is something deeply rewarding about planting a tree; it’s the joy of watching it grow now and knowing that, long after you are gone, others may see and enjoy the trees beauty. With the exception of the Copper Birch photo, all other photos in this blog are of some of the trees that I’ve planted in my lifetime. Most, though not all, will far outlive me…gracing yards with beautiful foliage and shade as well as the melodic sound of rain on leaves and leaves whispering in the wind.
If you’ve never planted a tree, may I suggest that you do research on trees for any given area and enjoy the experience of planting and watching one grow. No yard or garden of your own? Find a need for tree planting and get involved. A few years ago, I talked with a group of volunteers planting Sugar pines in the Sierra’s where the trees numbers had dwindled. There are opportunities for everyone!
