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| When I first walked by this tree while Bill was in speech therapy this week, I knew I had to make it mine! |
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| Gnarly, was all I could think. And then I began to think of all the ways gnarly is used today. Communication is difficult for this very reason. Bill and I are masters at using the same word, both meaning something completely different. We work on it daily, and recognizing it has helped. We don't just clarify what we are saying, we verify that we have it right. Or correct. Or accurate. See what I mean? |
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| One person will use a word meaning one thing, and the exact same word means something so completely different to someone else. It's gnarly. Caregiving is gnarly. Life is gnarly. I don't know how many of you drink wine, but Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin is excellent! Hard to believe it's from Lodi, California but it's really gnarly! |
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| A tangled mass of branches and wood looks so different when you take a step back... |
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| Sometimes, we may be too close to see. Perspective gets lost so easily. Does the old adage work here: You can't see the forest for the trees? No matter what, that's one gnarly tree, dude! |
Photos by Ginger Bristow Gaitor © ; Landscaping by College of St. Rose; Gnarly trees by Mother Nature UPDATED 4-4-12 After a request by me and an email or two, this note arrived this afternoon from the head of the grounds department at the College of St. Rose: I believe the tree you sent a picture of is actually a shrub. It’s common name is “Harry Lauder Walking Stick”. It comes in male and female varieties. The one we have is a female because it does not have pods for seeds. I hope this helps. Thanks, Matt B. Manager of Custodial and Grounds Services The College of Saint Rose So I guess it's not a tree at all, but it sure is gnarly dude! AND NEW PHOTOS OF THIS SHRUB BLOOMING SOON! |
Gnarled is one of my favourite words.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great old tree.
I am wondering how it will look in Spring and Summer...
DeleteIt was nice to get out of the backyard and house and find something new to photograph, if not think about.
What a cool, twisted mess of a tree! Love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat would Emily have written about this tree? I know she would have been been riveted as you were.
ReplyDeleteI know she would have. I wondered that too. I know she would have done a better job of writing a poem about it than I would be. I let the camera do the work for me this time! If Emily had a camera, what would she have taken photos of?
DeleteI'll try again to post my comment:
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that tree is the Tortured Willow. I know these willows are grown especially to use in flower arrangements, because of the exquisite shape of the contorted branches. But interestingly in Australia all forms of willow are included on our "Weeds of National Significance" list. That's because they take root so easily and spread freely in the wild, especially along waterways. How interesting that something lovely in one environment is considered a pest in another environment. Nevertheless, it really is a magnificent plant.
That worked! I am eager to see what it does. There were budding trees and small bulbs coming up already. Strangest winter here ever. I am beginning to plan my Secret Garden in the woods off the patio. Something fun to plan for.
DeleteI have been looking for a tree just like this to plant at my house. Any way you could find out what it is? I found your fun blog by googling "gnarled white tree". :-D (because that is what I want)
ReplyDeleteI am in the process Jessica!
DeleteSo there is the answer for all of us. There was only a bit of new growth on it yesterday when I walked by. I will post some photos when it blooms. Gin
DeleteI love it.....I want one!
ReplyDeleteI saw one on Amazon! I want one too. Let's all get one!
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