In December, we planted two trees of hope where the horse barn stood before March 2023’s wildfire. Since we don’t have horses anymore, we decided to plant two maple trees in this spot where we can see them from inside the house and outside too. We chose red maples because red is not a color we have much of in the fall.
Oklahoma’s fall is primarily yellows and oranges with a touch of red from sumac shrubs. Also, our prairie grasses give us a range of colors. Still, we don’t really have brightly-colored maple trees, even Oklahoma’s native Caddo sugar maple, where I live, unless you plant it, of course.
“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
–Rabindranath Tagore
Which trees did we plant? We chose ‘Autumn Blaze’ and ‘October Glory.’ I did some research on both trees before choosing them. Although they have similar color, ‘Autumn Blaze’ has a more open canopy than ‘October Glory.’ It can be hurt by ice storms, but notwithstanding the crazy October 2020 ice storm, I haven’t seen that many out here. I’ll also keep them well-pruned as they grow.
Because we’re older, we chose larger trees that will still settle in and grow well. The soil where we planted them is sandy loam, easy for roots to grab hold and anchor them fast.
Also, we paid to have them planted for the first time ever. It wasn’t cheap, but I didn’t want to haul them, dig giant holes, and plant them. Neither did Bill. It did feel weird to watch a crew do the work for me, as I’ve planted every single tree on this property with Bill’s and our son Brennan’s help over the years.
Honestly, it felt good to have help, and we now have two new trees of hope. It’s an exciting development at Little Cedar Garden. Goodbye, 2023, and hello 2024!
From our garden to yours, Happy new year. May you be happy, healthy and whole.
I know your trees will be beautiful! They are special in that you and Bill did something positive to replace the loss of the barn. Hope you will share pictures of them next fall when they have there pretty red leaves.
That’s inspiring and hopeful, Dee. They’ll be so beautiful year-round, but especially in the fall. <3
Love this! Love that you hired the planting of these large trees!
It was hire it done, or not get it done at all. They are quite large. 🙂
I bet they are going to be gorgeous.
And also good to employ people. Spreading kindness.
Oh Dee those will be beautiful! I agree we need more reds in our landscapes. I know what you mean about getting help but there comes a time and age where we need it. We planted 5 gallon flamethrowers last year and that’s about the biggest I will attempt. Can’t wait to see what they look like next fall!
I’m pretty excited to see them too! Thank you!