The maple tree, a present from my Dad, has always struggled with the prevailing south westerlies. Trees in Ireland are bent over towards the east, from gales blowing up from the Atlantic. This elegant maple has always been out of place in our wild and lazy couple of acres, home of beech, willow and pine trees. My father was always trying to put manners on this wilderness…..it was never going to work!
But as the scots pine beside it has grown more branches, it has made a buffer between the maple and the wind. At last this year the maple is becoming her beautiful self. Trunk growing more sturdy, leaves dancing in the light. From scrawny beginnings she is now holding her own. The power of nurturing, patience and belief! The essential pairing of tree allies, and the shelter provided by one for the other. There’s always something new, just a few feet from your door…..
This blogpost is to announce the winner of the Mother May I Writing Master Class place, courtesy of the Inky Path. Thank you all who took part. In the old fashioned way at 5PM I drew out one name and the winner is MK Conlon. May you have a wonderful new beginning with your writing through the mentorship of Cigdem and Jena. I look forward to meeting you there and am thrilled to be sharing some of my images as part of that programme. It’s not too late to sign up!
Absolutely gorgeous images. Such a dance going on. I couldn’t help but smile at your line “at last the maple is becoming her beautiful self.”
Haha! Kim I just stopped short of saying……”like myself!!” Thank you so much :~)
American gardeners write about nurse trees, nurse logs, even nurse rocks.
Making that tiny microclimate to give the tree a chance.
My potted Japanese maple is feeling thoughtful about the occasional salt breeze that whips thru.
Pictures today are even better than they always are.
Thank you Diana, and I know you have great knowledge of these things. Of course! It must be a very common thing and something maybe all species share….a kind of mentoring…..how apt:~)
That top image is just beyond belief. I love it and love it even more that it was a gift from your dad. I’m fortunate as well that my father had such a part of planting here in my Arizona property…I look out every day and soak in the beauty of his love…how wonderful it is to have these treasures! Just gorgeous!!!
Thanks Robin. I remember at the time I was so condescending about it!! But of course it has survived just to prove me wrong! Lucky you having those lovley memories, so precious……
Tour images are magical. A dream of golden light with ruby leaves.
Long live to this beautiful maple tree!
Thank you Amelie, it’s good to have some ruby leaves in Spring when everything else is so green!
Your dad did good bringing manners to your wild place … the red of this maple’s leaves is stunning!
Thank you Susan! He must have known what he was at, which of course I didn’t. Kids can be such know-it-alls!! Glad I have it now……