Hopelessly Devoted
Eucalyptus is an introduced presence that looms over and defines many regions of California , rows of them providing windbreaks in agricultural areas and lining highways . Many consider them to be 'weed trees' , with their year round leaf-drop and reputation for flammability-a notable example of the latter being the devastating Oakland Hills fire of 1991 . Debates abound over the wisdom or foolishness of their presence here-Eucs are second only to Redwood in the arena of controversial trees in our fair state.
I admit that I love them. I love their looks, I love the fragrance-they are the most significant tree of my childhood and the first tree I ever planted as a homeowner. Like a wayward and beloved friend I forgive them over and over for their defects. Ironically I don't currently own one, and in all likelihood I never will-they are far too large for my tiny lot. But I can step outside and see them along the river to the east,and on the hillside to the south. At Christmastime I roam parking lots and the perimeter of vineyards with the pruners collecting their greenery for the mantle, vases and wreaths. I take photos, and I look forward to road trips that will take me through favorite groves. Here are a few from the collection of specimen trees at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, and from the Carneros wine growing region of the Napa Valley.
I admit that I love them. I love their looks, I love the fragrance-they are the most significant tree of my childhood and the first tree I ever planted as a homeowner. Like a wayward and beloved friend I forgive them over and over for their defects. Ironically I don't currently own one, and in all likelihood I never will-they are far too large for my tiny lot. But I can step outside and see them along the river to the east,and on the hillside to the south. At Christmastime I roam parking lots and the perimeter of vineyards with the pruners collecting their greenery for the mantle, vases and wreaths. I take photos, and I look forward to road trips that will take me through favorite groves. Here are a few from the collection of specimen trees at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, and from the Carneros wine growing region of the Napa Valley.
Wow. going through my regular blogs and finding a eucalyptus post from California of all places is a little surreal. I assume by your weed comment that they are an introduced rather than native species. If you're a fan, please feel free to look me up if you're in Sydney and we'll go looking at all the varieties here.
ReplyDeleteThere are only a couple of species that will make it through our winters here in SE Va. From what I understand it is not necessarily the cold, but cold combined with wet. I love them though and remember first encountering some sizeable specimens in London and did not know what they were, but hugged them just the same.
ReplyDeletePaul, they are introduced and the history here is an interesting one. I hope to do another post later this fall--but must collect more photos ! I'd i ever make it Sydney you're on !
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the humidity is a factor too Les, our winters here are very wet (though the term cold is relative) but they seem to like the dry summers.
I'm with you - I LOVE Eucalyptus, yet I don't have any. I hear there's a 'dwarf' variety that I'd like to find. Gorgeous photos, too!
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't have any here in Ontario. (Canada) I DO understand loving them though.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is the olive tree that I adore. (and many others too!)
I agree, they are such wonderful trees. There was one near our house in Portland that I watched die last winter. Or so I thought! I noticed just yesterday that it's got a few new shoots!
ReplyDeleteI'm fond of these shaggy brutes too. But then I just saw my very first copper beech this autumn, so I've lived a sheltered life! Photos 1 & 2 have that lovely Napa light.
ReplyDeletei love these trees, despite the local controversy. i just read this post on another garden blog, you might find of interest. i find it hard to vilify any tree, especially ones that are so diverse and beautiful as eucs! in my hometown of laguna beach, they are a defining, yet embattled presence.
ReplyDelete