Little House On The River

I think everyone knows the unmistakable beauty of The Colorado Blue Spruce. Well here is a seedling I recently hatched. It starts out as fragile as a blade of grass and turns into a magnificent stately tree. I purchased some evergreen seeds from http://www.datreestore.com/ . Actually I purchased approximately 1500 seeds. Along with the Blue Spruce, I received,Rocky Mountain Juniper, Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Bald Cypress, and a tree that I have never seen except for pictures, The Dawn Redwood, metasequoia glyptostroboides. This is a truly fascinating tree that was once thought to be extinct but was found in a remote valley in China in the 1940s. Interesting reading can be found at http://www.dawnredwood.org/HISTORY.htm. I really want to grow these trees. You might say I am feeling a bit obsessed with the Dawn Redwood. I found a supplier of seedlings online, but I am waiting for them to restock.

A lot of work goes into growing a tree from a seed and I am quite sure I will not be around to experience the tree in all its glory. So why do it? I think it is part challenge, part I enjoy growing things, and maybe my impermanence and legacy. Now I do not know who planted the giant Fir Trees in front of my house Or the Red Pines nearby. Or even the mighty Hemlocks that once stood in a favorite place I used to hike daily. But I do, now and then close my eyes and picture someone from long ago putting those seedlings in the ground. Maybe one day in the future someone will look at a tree I planted and be thankful I did, even if they don't know my name.

After all we still remember Johnny Appleseed!!