“G” Is for Gift

OK, maybe this post really should have been “G” is for Geek because when it comes to my trees, that’s what I am…a tree geek. I see trees as gifts. Big beautiful, air-purifying, fruit, nut and beauty-giving gifts.


I was not always such a geek for the gifts of trees. I appreciated fruit and nuts just like anyone else. I loved the spring blossoms but let’s face it, the streets of Chicago offered limited opportunities for appreciating the variety of colors, sizes and shapes of trees.

When I moved to southern Illinois twelve years ago, I had never seen some of the trees that grow naturally here. And the climate is suitable for many types of fruit trees, not something I could have experienced easily further north.

We chose the piece of property we did in part because it already had so much going for it. There were mulberry trees, persimmons, choke cherries, elderberries and wild blackberries everywhere. The previous owners had added peach and plum trees and a concord-type grapevine.

As I acclimated to my new surroundings on 40 acres, I explored and fell in love. Shagbark hickory trees and black walnuts made their home in my little world. The second spring we were here I discovered the dogwoods. Small understory trees with white blossoms actually called bracts that looked like lace in the woods. And I absolutely came to adore the redbuds which are more like a purple if you ask me. Purple is my favorite color.

So each year I add one or two trees to the front border of our property. I am slowly adding all my favorites and it’s a blend of fruit and ornamentals. Someday I hope to have the whole stretch of road planted and enjoy the annual gifts of color and fruit they bare.Everyone will pass by and say "That's where the tree geek lives." I'm ok with that.