Rebecca, our newest tree!
Eric and I moved into Casa de Whompton nine years ago in late March, and we received two free trees at Earth Day. We planted and named both and waited excitedly for our trees to thrive. Fred, the American Sycamore, has grown almost as tall as the oaks and maples nearby; we love him dearly. Raina said this morning, "Mom, sometimes I go over and gently give Fred a hug." Me too, Raina, me too.
Ed, the White Ash tree, is not a success story. He was mown over by the lawn-mower man. So was Red, the Redbud, and the next Redbud tree we planted. (Planting trees that look like little sticks was not a hugely successful formula.) However, the second redbud survived its lawnmower attack -- now it has three bases rather than one central -- and we learned from the previous setbacks and implemented a new strategy.
The newest tree, our Swamp Oak, is surrounded by mulch and a tomato cage. (I believe the tomato cage to be the secret.) The girls and I have diligently watered it every day and hoped and hoped and hoped that it would take to its new home. I'm excited to report that it has grown an inch and sprouted seven leaves! Raina is logging its growth and it seemed only fitting that she get to name the new tree. Her initial suggestion of "Water" was a poor choice but she thought long before coming up with the winner of "Rebecca." Here's hoping that Rebecca thrives next to our swamp and that she has a long happy life with us.
Ed, the White Ash tree, is not a success story. He was mown over by the lawn-mower man. So was Red, the Redbud, and the next Redbud tree we planted. (Planting trees that look like little sticks was not a hugely successful formula.) However, the second redbud survived its lawnmower attack -- now it has three bases rather than one central -- and we learned from the previous setbacks and implemented a new strategy.
The newest tree, our Swamp Oak, is surrounded by mulch and a tomato cage. (I believe the tomato cage to be the secret.) The girls and I have diligently watered it every day and hoped and hoped and hoped that it would take to its new home. I'm excited to report that it has grown an inch and sprouted seven leaves! Raina is logging its growth and it seemed only fitting that she get to name the new tree. Her initial suggestion of "Water" was a poor choice but she thought long before coming up with the winner of "Rebecca." Here's hoping that Rebecca thrives next to our swamp and that she has a long happy life with us.
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