Archive for the ‘Follow a tree’ Category

Follow a Tree, November

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , , , , , on November 12, 2014| 4 Comments »

November 11...The leaves are full of color. In another month or less, I'll be happy to rake up piles of them. Ulp, I better see if the owners are okay with that.

November 11…The leaves of the Tulip tree are full of color. In another month or less, I’ll be happy to rake up piles of them. Hmmm, maybe I better see if the owners are okay with that.

A different view of the Tulip tree. The setting sun brings out the colors.

A different view of the Tulip tree. The setting sun brings out the colors.

Ah, there's a seed pod up there.

Ah, there’s a seed pod up there.

The seed pods are finally dried. I pulled out my pocket knife to cut it off, but it just fell into my hand.

I pulled out my pocket knife but the pod just fell into my hand.

There were precious few pods hanging in the tree...then I looked down and found lots of them on the ground already.

There were precious few pods hanging in the tree…then I looked down and found lots of them on the ground already.

November 12...I picked up as many seed pods as my bag would hold wondering what people thought of me walking with a very full doggy bag.

November 12…I picked up as many seed pods as my bag would hold wondering what people thought of me walking with a very full doggy bag.

November 12...Hoping to get the seeds to pop out, I pulled the pod open...but where are the seeds?

Hoping to get the seeds to pop out, I pulled the pod open…but where are the seeds?

Are these the seeds? I'll try planting these in the spring, but if they don't grow, I can always plant a Tulip tree twig.

Are these the seeds? I’ll try planting these in the spring, but if they don’t grow, I can always plant a Tulip tree twig.  (See gregmcswain1’s comment below)

 

I was struck by how similar the Tulip tree seed pods were to my backyard spruce tree 'pine cones.'

I was struck at how similar the Tulip tree seed pods were to my backyard spruce tree cones.    Deciduous on the left, conifer on the right.

I couldn't get enough of the colorful leaves, so I just pointed the camera upward for one more shot before leaving.

I couldn’t get enough of the colorful leaves, so I just pointed the camera upward for one more shot before leafing leaving.

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Following a Tree, October

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , on October 13, 2014| 9 Comments »

October 13...Tulip tree is still holding on, but more colored leaves can be seen.

October 13…Tulip tree is still holding on, but more colored leaves can be seen.  The sun is lower on the horizon as can be seen by the shadow on the left side.

The blue sky is disappearing tomorrow for a while. It's been so good to get sunshine this late in the season, but that's coming to an end soon.

The blue sky is disappearing tomorrow for a while. It’s been so good to get sunshine this late in the season, but that’s coming to an end soon.

These leaves are starting to lose their chlorophyll enabling the other colors to be visible.

These leaves are starting to lose their chlorophyll enabling the other colors to be visible.

Why do leaves change color in the autumn?

According to Garden at School, “Basically, leaves are made up of several components that affect their color.  Chlorophyll is the part of the leaf that gives it its green color, and its presence is so strong that it can cover up the color of the other components of the leaf. In the fall, trees sense that the days are becoming shorter and the weather is cooler.  As a result, it stops sending up water and energy to the leaves and so the chlorophyll dies.  Once the chlorophyll is gone, the other colors can shine through.”

A few leaves have dropped. Not enough to rake up yet, but it won't be too long. I'm actually looking forward to getting this valuable treasure for my garden.

A few leaves have dropped. Not enough to rake up yet, but it won’t be too long. I’m actually looking forward to getting this valuable treasure for my garden.

I've been 'following' this seed pod trying to be there when it opens. I'm beginning to doubt that it will open. If it does, I'd like to plant the seeds just for fun.

I’ve been ‘following’ this seed pod trying to be there when it opens. I’m beginning to doubt that it will open.  But if it does, I’d like to plant the seeds just for fun.

New leaves are still forming, so this tree is not ready to call it quits just yet.

New leaves are still forming, so this tree is not ready to call it quits just yet.

 

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Following a Tree—September

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , , , , on September 12, 2014| 8 Comments »

September 10, 2014...Tulip tree is starting to turn color.

September 10, 2014…Tulip tree is starting to turn color.

Yep, they are definitely changing color.

Yep, the leaves are definitely changing color. According to Portland (OR) Parks and Recreation, fall foliage color is gold-yellow.  Featured is  a tulip tree that was planted in the 1890s.

Looking up into the umbrella, even those leaves are yellowing.

Looking up into the umbrella, even these leaves are yellowing.    A member of the Magnoliaceae family, these trees are native in the US, east of the Mississippi.  The record height is 200 feet (61 meters), but many grow to over 100 feet.

The seed pod is just starting to show a little browning on the tips. I never noticed the seed pods before because they are hidden in the foliage, but because of this "tree following" project, I'm pushing leaves out of the way to find them. Luckily, the pods are within reach.

The seed pod is just starting to show a little browning on the tips. I never noticed the seed pods before because they are hidden in the foliage, but because of this “tree following” project, I’m pushing leaves out of the way to find them. Luckily, the pods are within reach.

 

According to Wikipedia… “The soft, fine-grained wood of tulip trees is known as “poplar” (short for “yellow poplar”) in the U.S., but marketed abroad as “American tulipwood” or by other names. It is very widely used where a cheap, easy-to-work and stable wood is needed. The sapwood is usually a creamy off-white color. While the heartwood is usually a pale green, it can take on streaks of red, purple, or even black; depending on the extractives content (i.e. the soil conditions where the tree was grown, etc.). It is clearly the wood of choice for use in organs, due to its ability to take a fine, smooth, precisely cut finish and so to effectively seal against pipes and valves. It is also commonly used for siding clapboards. Its wood may be compared in texture, strength, and softness to white pine.

Used for interior finish of houses, for siding, for panels of carriages, for coffin boxes, pattern timber, and wooden ware. During scarcity of the better qualities of white pine, tulip wood has taken its place to some extent, particularly when very wide boards are required.[3]

It also has a reputation for being resistant to termites, and in the Upland South (and perhaps elsewhere) house and barn sills were often made of tulip poplar beams.”

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Following a Tree, August

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , , on August 13, 2014| 9 Comments »

August 11, 2014...The Tulip Tree is still going strong.

August 11, 2014…The Tulip Tree is still going strong, but is it possible some of the leaves are turning yellow?

According to an article in The Washington Post a long dry spell can cause the Tulip trees to shut down some of their leaves, which makes them turn a bright yellow.  I’m not sure that we are seeing the beginnings of yellow leaves, but we have come through a long dry spell.

I read on the web sites that people love their Tulip Trees, EXCEPT when they rain sap.  “Do not park your cars under a Tulip tree,” and yet I didn’t see much sap on the ground.  Maybe the trees in the Pacific Northwest are better behaved. 🙂

August 11, 2014...baby leaves are still being produced.

August 11, 2014…baby leaves are still being produced.

 

6 seed against sky

7 smallish leaf

Seed pod

We are going to have to wait at least another month before we see the inside of the seed pod.  This one is still green.

I recently picked up a book by Daniel Chamovitz, “What A Plant Knows.”  In the first chapter he writes, “Plants see if you come near them;  they know when you stand over them.  They even know if you’re wearing a blue or red shirt.”  I wonder if the Tulip tree sees me coming by occasionally to see what’s happening?

 

 

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Following a Tree, July

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , , , on July 10, 2014| 4 Comments »

July 1, 2014...Tulip tree is still looking good.

July 1, 2014…Tulip tree is still looking good.

As a survival tree, the tulip tree was also known as a canoe tree because the wood is lightweight and was preferred by many Native American tribes, in the construction of canoes. The leaves can be used as a poultice to treat sores. Tea can be made from the inner bark to treat fevers and indigestion. The bark can be chewed on for an aphrodisiac.

As a survival tree, the tulip tree was also known as a canoe tree because the wood is lightweight and was preferred by many Native American tribes, in the construction of canoes. The leaves can be used as a poultice to treat sores. Tea can be made from the inner bark to treat fevers and indigestion. The bark can be chewed on for an aphrodisiac.

There are a late bloomers left.

There are still a few late bloomers left.

Blossom withering. Hope my bees got some nectar.

Most of the blossoms are withering. Hope my bees got some nectar.

Seed pods have formed. It'll be interesting to watch them dry up. I want to get some seeds...maybe next month.

Seed pods have formed. It’ll be interesting to watch them dry up. I want to get some seeds…maybe next month.

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Tulip Tree Blossoms!

Posted in Bee to Flower relationship, Bee Video, Bee-loving flowers, Follow a tree, Natural Beekeeping, Tulip Tree, Uncategorized, tagged , , on June 8, 2014| 7 Comments »

“And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater that the risk it took to bloom.”   Anaïs Nin

May 13, 2014...Showing signs of swelling. Outside starting to split open.

May 13, 2014…Showing signs of swelling. Outside starting to split open.

May 21, 2014...Showing some color on blossom.

May 15, 2014…It’s swelling up, getting ready to burst open.

May 27, 2014...Tulip Tree blossom emerges at long last.

May 27, 2014…Tulip Tree blossom emerges at long last.

May 27, 2014...The inside of a new blossom is well worth the wait.

May 27, 2014…The inside of a new blossom is well worth the wait.

May 27, 2014...this honeybee got down to business, really got into the work of getting nectar.

This honeybee got down to work.  In the video you can see the bee moving to the rhythms of “Havana.”

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Mystery Tree Identified

Posted in Arbor Day, Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , on May 7, 2014| 5 Comments »

It’s a Tulip Tree

Thanks to ...

Why is is called a Tulip Tree?  Because the leaves look like open tulips.  Thanks to “The Prospect of Bees,”, “HB,” and Amelia in France I have a solid identification to the mystery tree.  They contributed when they saw the leaf shape in last month’s post.

The Arbor Day Foundation, says a tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera is…“A fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Greenish-yellow flowers are carried high in the tree. Stems are aromatic. Likes full sun. Grows to 70′ to 90′, 40′ spread. (zones 4-9)”

According to The Peace Bee Farmer, the tulip tree,  also known as Tulip Poplar or Yellow Poplar tree, is a member of the Magnolia family and an important nectar source across  Tennessee, Kentucky, and much of the eastern United States.

May 2, 2014...Tulip tree blossom might be called a "late bloomer."

May 2, 2014…Tulip tree blossom at the pre-open stage.

May 5, 2014...Blossom slow to reveal itself.

May 5, 2014…Blossom slow to reveal itself, but I’m watching it everyday, hoping to catch the opening act.  I’d love to see some bees (maybe my own bees) pollinating it.

Speaking of Arbor Day, I was able to volunteer in the removal of life-choking ivy from alder and ash trees. In the process, I shot some video.  Okay, I was mostly pointing the camera in people’s faces, but I was able to actually DO some work too.

I’m following a tree

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Arbor Day in Bandon

Posted in Arbor Day, Follow a tree, Videos, tagged , , , , on April 29, 2014| 3 Comments »

April 25 is declared Arbor Day in Bandon, Oregon

April 25, 2014… is declared Arbor Day in Bandon, Oregon.  These volunteers are donating their time to remove ivy from the alder and ash trees.   Organizer Michelle Hampton (left center) knows that honeybees and other pollinators get nourishment from ivy, but it’s choking the trees and must be removed.  Since my bees might be affected she has revealed to me a place where I might find an old colony of bees to capture a swarm from.  More on that later.

April 25, 2014...Nick Morris, Stewardship Forester with Oregon Department of Forestry, presents

April 25, 2014…Nick Morris, Stewardship Forester with Oregon Department of Forestry, presents the Five Year Service Award for participation in the Tree City USA Program to the City of Bandon.

Harv Schubothe reads the Proclamation, proclaiming April 25, 2014 to be Arbor Day

Harv Schubothe, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission, reads the Proclamation, proclaiming April 25, 2014 to be Arbor Day in the City of Bandon.

 

It was good to see some kids helping out especially on a day off from school.

It was good to see some kids helping out especially on a day off from school.

Tom works on a tree.

Tom works on a tree being choked by ivy.

 

Tristan explains ivy removal

Tristan explains ivy removal.

Harv separates a big section of ivy.

Harv peels off a big section of ivy.

Darcy explains about the importance of growing native trees for pollinators.

Darcy explains the importance of growing native trees for habitat.

On a personal note, until I arrived at the gathering place set up to pull ivy off the trees, I didn’t even know about Arbor Day.  Deadlines have always kept me in the print shop.  Now that my largest account (an account that I have had for over 25 years) has gone paperless, I have more time.  When I saw the article in the local newspaper asking for volunteers, I volunteered, not having done any community volunteer work for over 30 years, I thought maybe it was time.  I knew that Lucy at Alder and Ash would approve.  I caught the excitement of Following a Tree from Lucy and community volunteerism from Emily Heath.  They are both from Great Britain.  Hmmm, I wonder if they know anything about English Ivy?

 

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Following a Tree, April 2014

Posted in Follow a tree, Uncategorized, tagged on April 13, 2014| 10 Comments »

March 13, 2014...a leaf is shaping up.

March 13, 2014…a leaf is shaping up on our mystery tree

April 13, 2014...As I was walking this leaf back home, I passed Linda's house. "Linda, how are you at identifying trees," I asked. "Hummm, that looks like an ivy tree."

April 13, 2014…As I was walking this leaf back home, I passed Linda’s house. “Linda, how are you at identifying trees,” I asked. “Hummm, it looks like some sort of ivy tree,” she replied. “Are you kidding?” “This is a tree with a single wide trunk,” I countered. “Well, there are such trees as ivy trees,” she said. “I will let you know when I find out,” says me.

April 13, 2014...Back of leaf.

April 13, 2014…Back of leaf.

March 13, 2014...trunk of mystery tree

March 13, 2014…trunk of mystery tree

Bare tree in March

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I’m Following a Tree…

Posted in Follow a tree, Uncategorized, tagged , on March 7, 2014| 23 Comments »

…a tree that needs an ID.

March 7, 2014...the sun popped out for the morning shot of my tree.

March 7, 2014…the sun popped out for this morning shot of my tree.

After reading a post by Alder and Ash  about tree following I thought it would be interesting to follow a tree through the year.  I don’t know what kind of tree this is, but my wife and I walk past it every morning.   Several years ago, the former owners burned the leaves.  I was shocked they would destroy such a valuable resource and pollute the autumn air.   I was determined to save them next time, so when new residents moved in, I got their permission to rake well in advance.

What do we use the leaves for?  Some go into the compost pile, some get spread on or in our veggie beds, and some are bagged up to use as insulation around outside water pipes during winter.

Ecosystem Gardening  describes the importance of leaves…

  • Many butterflies find shelter in the leaf litter, either in egg, pupal, or adult form, to safely wait out the winter and emerge in the spring.
  • Leaf litter provides food and shelter to an amazing variety of invertebrates who break down the leaves, which feeds the soil and other wildlife.
  • The deeper the leaf litter, the more spiders are supported. Spiders are an essential element in keeping pest insects in balance.
  • Leaf litter is also home to ladybugs, salamanders, toads, and other predators of pest insects. It is no wonder that pests like aphids thrive when we continue to destroy the habitat of the predators that would keep them under control.
3-6-14...Bees in leaves. Do you see them? Probably not.

3-6-14…Bees in leaves. Do you see them? Probably not.

Today my wife noticed bees walking on the pile of leaves from the very tree I’m following.  I’m wondering what they are looking for?

One of the bees I found that was walking around on the pile of leaves.

A bee inspecting the leaves.

This honeybee walked over a bunch of leaves to stop and have lunch on leaf mold?

After walking over a bunch of leaves, this bee stopped to sample some leaf mold.  There is so much we don’t know about other animals.  I’m just wondering, is this bee bringing back some valuable mineral to the colony or just sipping  moisture?

I’m hoping that when the tree starts to leaf out, someone will tell me what kind it is.  The owner didn’t know and when I asked his permission to ‘follow the tree’ this year, he said he would be happy to learn about it.

Following a tree, April leaf

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