Betula maximowicziana, Monarch BirchHolden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Bark is a practical necessity for trees providing protection and nourishment and acting as a repository of metabolic products.
Betula alleghaniensis, Yellow BirchHolden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Yet, in the winter landscape when trees appear in quiet repose, it is the aesthetic qualities: color, texture, and pattern of this practical necessity that especially capture attention. The trees highlighted in this article were selected because they captured my eye's attention.
Wherever your walks carry you this winter, let your eye take notice of the color, texture, and pattern diversity of bark. Observe the visual changes bark undergoes throughout its life due to the influence time and the environment impart on it. Regardless of species, each tree's bark is as individual as a snowflake.
Trees make me smile. Their presence shapes our memories, emotions, and temperament. Early on, my enjoyment came by way of climbing up trees through branches, hanging upside down from tree limbs, gathering apples acquired under cover of darkness from an old orchard in Waite Hill, and bringing back cases of the refreshingly delicious birch beer soda pop for friends from trips to the Garden State visiting my grandparents. My fondness for trees also came and comes from the knowledge that trees provide life and shelter for all sorts of Nature's creatures day after day year after year.
As I've come to learn more about the morphology and physiology (structure, "form", and functions) of trees, appreciation also comes in seeing the unique characteristics of these living marvels and appreciating these through each passing annual cycle of seasons. The rhythm of cool spring rain, warm summer sun, brilliant autumn color, and crisp winter snow provides comfort. Winter is often described as dreary, barren, or drab. I utterly disagree with this characterization! For it is at this time, the steadfast character and breathtaking beauty of trees shines still in the winter landscape for all to see.
Winter is truly a wonderful time to observe and enjoy the beauty that abounds in Nature.
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Betula populifolia 'Whitespire', Whitespire Gray Birch
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Acer buergerianum, Trident Maple
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Heptacodium miconioides, Seven-son Flower
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Pinus bungeana 'Rowe Arboretum', Rowe Arboretum Lacebark Pine
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Pinus peuce, Macedonian Pine
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
Stewartia pseudocamellia, Japanese Stewartia
Holden Arboretum, 2.xi.12, lks
If you would like to learn more about this fascinating subject, I recommend a book written by Hugues Vaucher and published by Timber Press in 2003 entitled Tree Bark: A Color Guide.
I appreciate your time.
Lisa, 6.xi.12