Village Condominium Association
Trees
by J. F. Weiler
As a white winter snow blanket covers the Village’s 180 trees’ root systems the buds wait in anticipation of their spring opening.
The Boston Public Garden in early and late December, 2010
Photos by J. F. Weiler
The Boston Public Garden provides another unique tree garden with 486 trees spread out over 24 acres (the Village is 18 acres.) The Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden established in 1837, shows Victorian Boston’s recognition of the value of city dwellers having access to trees and plants. They explored using the newest techniques to collect, hybridize and propagate plants long before the famed F.L. Olmsted came to town.
The Friends of the Public Garden now maintain the flower beds with an ever changing seasonal display of tulips, daffodils, roses and various annuals. The 150 different tree species include beeches, catalpas, dawn redwoods, elms, ginkgoes, horse chestnuts, and a massive pagoda tree.
Under the trees march the “Make Way for the Ducklings” sculpture which provide children with a sit-down experience of Robert McCloskey’s children’s book. And the summer swan boats glide in the lagoon among Romeo & Juliet, the two mute swans.
"Make Way for Ducklings" with red holiday bows
Photos by J. F. Weiler
Village Garden Question: A village gardener is looking for hints on propagating roses from a cutting this coming spring. Please send me any hints or information you care to share. Email: WeilerPhotoGallery@comcast.net
The Burpee Gardening catalog for 2011 is out. They are celebrating their 135th anniversary in the seed business. Great for dreaming of what to plant in the spring! www.burpee.com
Written for the Jan. 2011 Village Newsletter.