Have you ever thought of the number of trees you've planted? I have planted so many but have not kept track of the exact quantity. It brings great joy to know I've planted something that will help sustain life in so many different ways for ages to come. If attempting to minimize our carbon foot print, or to be good stewards of the world that has been given to us to manage, or just for fun, it's always a great time to plant a tree!
When planting a tree, I typically plant those that are already somewhat established, even if only one year old. However, a couple of years ago, I planted two Queen Palms from seed.
I soaked the seeds overnight then planted in a pot.
A few months later...
Little shoots popped up from the seed pod.
Once they got a little stronger, I moved them from the pot to the ground.
Queen Palms are also known as Cocos Plumosa.
The Queen is native to the South American woodlands
of Brazil and Argentina. It is reportedly a fast grower
(I beg to differ...its idea of fast growing and mine are
two completely different things, apparently!).
The tree can grow to 50 feet tall and is cold tolerant to 25F.
They are also an inexpensive palm tree,
so growing them from seed is really just a fun project
and an exercise in patience.
This is what they look like today.
Seriously, this is not a great example of a fast grower,
I recently read an extremely thought-provoking post by Allan of AllanBecker.gardenguru titled Does your Garden Advise Lose Its Flavor on the Blog Post Overnight . I was quite enlightened by Allan's perspective. He pointed out how technology has provided the ability for anyone, regardless of credentials, level of experience, or similar to post about gardening (and other topics, for that matter). He questioned that perhaps professionals may be discouraged by the amount of amateur advise offered in the blogosphere.
He points out that although even professionals can offer faulty advise, everyone should keep in mind that posts are read by a variety of people in various situations and differing climates, thus the best advise, or preface, should be provided. Allan also discussed occassions where bloggers had offered criticism to fellow bloggers. He suggested that criticism should be kept to a minimum, if at all, as bloggers have a right to post their thoughts and experiences. He also points out the blessing that most garden bloggers seem to be much more forgiving than other forms of media. WHEW!!!
Of course, I highly advise everyone to read Allan's post for themselves in the horrible case that I have misinterpretted his views. I enjoyed Allan's post, and whole-heartedly agree with his suggestion to be kind to all. Afterall, that's what blogging is all about...journaling our experiences, posting our photos, sharing our thoughts, and connecting with fellow garden lovers. It's supposed to be FUNvs. a business website.
I also enjoyed the various comments posted by bloggers. Everyone had a slightly different take on the subject. First, I thought Missy of Missy's Garden portrayed her perspective quite well. I was inspired by her well-written point of view. I also agree with Meredehuitof This Grandmother's Garden that no matter what, we should not offer ill comments. Africanaussie also made some great comments about how she feels the blogosphere has extended her back fence. I especially like this point of view! Susan in the Pink Hat of Ink and Penstemon brought up some additional, noteworthy points. This is where I felt I, a novice blogger, learned some "Freelance Lessons";"Contributor Correction" if you will; "Author Advise" or "Writer's Reproach".
Susan offered pointers to new bloggers including the importance of giving proper credit as well as obtaining permission to publish. She stated that even if one posts credit for a photo, for instance, this does not assume permission to post. Hmmm.This made me think.
As I wrote in my comment to Allan's post, I admit to using photos without permission when specific copyright is not posted or if the photo itself is not for sale or represented as a piece of art. However, Iabsolutely publish credit as well as link back to the source, and do not remove names / credits from the photo. Be that as it may, based on Susan's noteworthy opinion, I should not assume permission.
In my defense, I not only publish the source and link back but often drive traffic to the source's site/service/business. I have received much appreciation for this. However, admittedly, Susan is correct that I should not assume permission.
I sincerely want to do what is right, moral and ethical. And in no way, shape or form do I wish to offend anyone by overstepping my bounds. Additionally, I would honestly be horrified if I were accused of stealing, as that is never my intention. Whenever I have used a photo, quote, or information, I have credited the source and linked to that source, as I previously stated. Occassionally I have discussed, raved about, and even gushed with excitement or admiration about the source, creating more interest and driving more traffic to the source site. On the flip side, I must be aware that my actions may not be acceptable to others. Susan in the Pink Hat didn't just fabricate this point of view, and I'm certain she is not the only person in the world with this same opinion.
I feel as though I'm going around in circles. I could continue arguing back and forth with myself all day, but what I'd really like is thoughtful perspective. Thoughts, please!
As gardeners, we're accustomed to looking down in the dirt, at our plants. However, Skywatch Friday encourages us to look up every once in awhile and enjoy the sky above us. But there's more than the sky above us. Have you looked in the trees lately? There are many tree dwellers. Of course, there's my personal favorite...the birds!
This cardinal is a year-round resident.
No, Lola, you don't live in a tree, you silly girl!
In the tropics, there is a lot going on in the trees. In my yard alone...
This Tillandsia ball lives in my Meyer Lemon tree.
This is the same tillandsia not in bloom.
It's actually many that have grown together to form a ball.
A closer view shows one surrounded by many.
Also notice the small gray hairs at the base of the plant.
Here's a large tillandsia in bloom in one of my date palm trees.
I found it on the ground at the base of the tree one day this summer. Who knows what happened? Regardless, I left it where it lay and it has successfully rooted itself to the base of the trunk.
Other, smaller plants live in the cluster of date palms.
I found this one, tucked in the bark, as the others. This one looks more like an orchid or something similar. Notice the bulbous base and the numerous roots reaching out. I suppose I'll find out when it blooms.
This tillandsia lives next to the one pictured above but is quite different.
It's leaves are thin, similar to pine needles.
I dislodged it a bit to show the small root system.
You can also see there are numerous tillandsia in this single clump.
I noticed this little tree, or weed, growing in the date palm fibers. Hmmm!
A few passalong clippings of dragon fruit cactus hang around the date palms too.
I find it interesting how the roots seek out the tree trunk for nutrients.
None of these tree dwellers are parasites...they do not deprive the tree or live off the tree. Instead, they live off the water that flows down the trunk and branches, collecting the minerals and nutrients that collect in the nooks and crannies of the bark and fibers.
Here's another Tillandsia...I don't know if the seeds are airborn or if birds drop them in the various spots, but I definitely have numerous, naturally occurring tillandsia...especially in my date palms.
Another naturally occuring tillandsia...
Spanish Moss, or T. usneoides.
This cluster lives on my Carolina Jasmine vine.
Various forms of lichen are always interesting.
This Tillandsia Stricta lives in the Ponderosa Lemon tree.
My son purchased this plant last year.
This year, it rewarded us with two bloom stalks!!
This sweet little angel rests in the base of a Majesty Palm on my pool deck, watching over all.
This Pothos vine climbs one of the Cabbage / Sabal Palms.
The roots hold onto the bark of the tree like little fingers.
Two young Staghorn Ferns reside on the Navel Orange tree.
They hang on with sterile leaves that wrap around the support system.
You can see, here, how the fresh green leaf wraps around the branch.
The brown base is an older sterile leaf, wrapping around the root system.
Some of my orchids live among the trees, too, although none of mine are attached directly to the trees as I like to bring them onto my patio when in bloom.
This orchid lives in a bamboo shoot among the citrus branches.
Other Tillandsia live among the orchids...
This Tillandsia Bulbosa is typically found in the trees, but I like it on my patio in a basket full of orchids. The T. bulbosa is especially interesting, I think.
And this one resides amidst the base of my beautiful Dendrobium orchid. I think this Tillandsia is a T. ionantha, but I'm not certain.
