Nine years ago we started this small endeavor by purchasing an acreage that gently slopes east to a creek on our neighbor’s land. Nearly 2500 black walnut trees were planted by the seller along with red cedars and a few species of oaks.
The idea of planting additional trees took root before we had possession of the land. Native Iowa trees from family and friends have been planted each year as well as hundreds of acorns from neighborhood oak trees. We have planted nearly 3000 trees with varying success. Rabbits and deer find young seedlings satisfying, much to our frustration.
Early on, we noted a Kentucky coffeetree as our first “Legacy Tree.” The nut came from our good friend and advisor, David, a state forester. As it now stands over ten feet tall, it has become an important showcase tree at the farm. A pair of catalpas grow next to each other to remind us of departed friends while a pin oak grows nearby for a coworker. Other trees remind us of our friends who are near and far, still with us or gone on.
Reasons may vary for each Legacy Tree that now number about 20 and they can bring a smile or a bit of melancholy as the memories of our friends come to us. I share pictures of the trees from time to time so that the growth can be celebrated by all.
This year we add a new sugar maple in honor of our growing community of wordsmiths at Poets and Storytellers United. A place that has welcomed me and my words and allowed me to share that small corner of our world along with a few odd stories along the way. 😉
This maple could reach 60 feet or more, sheltering nesting birds among its branches and giving people the opportunity to rest under the shade of its broad leaves. This tree is in appreciation for all the writers of the community who are spread across the world as maybe someday, we could sit under the shade and share a verse or two.
It may be small but it can grow along with our words.
Thank you all.
Posted at Poets and Storytellers United: Writers’ Pantry #23: Growing Along with Our Words
Joel, this has me smiling from ear to ear. I'm picturing our tree growing, getting stronger, reminding us that all great things start small.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful project, a memory grove. I really love that the trees are planted for joy and for sorrow--that's life, right?
May this wee sprout grow to offer a cool spot to a writer growing words.
A "wee sprout" should be its nickname from now on, Magaly! I am so glad you liked this idea and thank you for sharing.
DeleteMost of the Legacy trees are near each other close to the cabin. The Stranded Tree is reserved at the top of the hill.
Ha! The name will be extra glorious when "Wee Sprout" is taller than most houses.
DeleteWee Sprout has been blessed because of the sharing of the words among the community. Thank you again, Magaly.
DeleteHow I love this idea! Trees are among my favourite life forms, and to use them to remember specific people one values is very special. We're glad you feel so welcomed at Poets and Storytellers United (not difficult when you regularly share such lovely posts with us) and I am personally thrilled to think of this Legacy Tree growing up in our name. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is my thank you for welcoming me.
DeleteI was wondering if such a small tree would be underwhelming and it would seem I was wrong.
Let's see how big this tree (and our words) shall grow.
Beautiful! I love this idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad. Thank you.
DeleteGreat concept indeed! And I'm very pleased that the P/S United tree is a sugar maple because I'm up here in Vermont, where sugaring for syrup is a (cult? religion? Vocation? way of life?).
ReplyDeleteIt was a toss up between a white oak or sugar maple and I chose the maple because of the spreading shade. The maple also has greener leaves sooner and won the opportunity.
DeleteThanks, Ron. I enjoyed your description of Vermont
Love maple trees--the leaves are gorgeous and interesting from their tiny, fuzzy beginnings to their delicate fall skeletons. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are rather fine trees. Thank you, Chrissa
DeleteThis is such a beautiful concept, Joel! Thank you so much for gifting us this Legacy Tree!💝
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sanaa. Thank you all for welcoming me into the community.
DeleteSome day I might be able to call it a forest.
Thank you, Joel. This is really lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenna. I appreciate the thought.
DeleteAwesome... I send it good thoughts too.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it, ZQ. Thank you.
DeleteThank you, Joel. A lovely concept to grow on.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sara. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteNothing could be so important as to add a few trees to help us maintain enough oxygen in the atmosphere to keep us and and all other creatures alive as we have depleted them just for profit and clearance over so many years. You will be a hero to our childrens children.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin. I'm planting for those who don't have the opportunity to plant one for themselves.
Delete15 years ago, our acreage was all row crops (corn and soybeans) and now it is nearly half planted in trees.
I so enjoyed reading your story of the trees that surround you. What a marvelous concept. Your story reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago imagining the life of an oak tree. I have appended it today, inspired once again by your words.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Beverly. Thank you. I'm glad you liked this.
DeleteSending you a most sincere thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen. I hope it grows to exceed everyones expectations.
DeleteLong live Wee Sprout! And long may we hold a pen in our hand or have our fingers dance over the keyboard!
ReplyDeleteTwo goals to live and grow by. Wee Sprout has lots of friends, eh? Thank you, Rommy.
DeleteThis is beautiful and truly an inspiring concept. I love this Joel!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie. Each tree makes a difference to the world.
Deletei like your idea. and yes, who knows? maybe our descendants will make it happen for us... lol nice post.
ReplyDeleteWho knows what tomorrow brings but we can make a difference now. Thank you.
DeleteThat's such a beautiful idea... thank you- and may the tree hear many many verses through the years!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful thought, Rajani. I hope to share pictures along the way to celebrate its growth.
DeleteYes. Poetry grows strong with many branches .... and deep roots!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Colleen. I believe many of us understand the "root cause" (sorry) that drives us to write.
DeleteOMG! What a blessing to gift a tree to our writer's community.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for dropping by my sumie Sunday today
Much💖love
Thank you, Gillena. You are all welcome for this Wee Sprout.
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