Both Liz and myself are tree following again this year and look forward to doing regular monthly posts, between the 7th and 14th, on the progress of our trees. Our thanks to Pat, The Squirrelbasket, for continuing to host it, and if you want to see what it’s all about, and perhaps join in, please have a look at this Tree following post.
Liz – This year I’ve chosen the Seven-son flower tree (Heptacodium miconioides) I have in my back garden here in Lexington, Kentucky. A native of China, this small tree is now over twenty feet high and provides all-season interest. When I bought it back in 1996 the nurseryman told me that I’d be one of the very few people here to have one of these trees.
These two pictures were taken on Wednesday, 30th December and show the whole tree and the attractive bark which is peeling off last season’s branches revealing the lighter coloured wood underneath.
Mike – On my walks through the nearby Newton West Park I always stop and admire this wonderful looking fan-shaped Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) which I’m going to follow this year.
This picture was taken on Christmas Day, 25th December. I know little about these trees, and found this Woodland Trust webpage really informative and interesting.
Take care, and have a good weekend!
Flighty's plot 
I know nothing about either of these trees so I shall enjoy reading your posts throughout the year.
LikeLike
Jo nor me so I’ll enjoy doing them. xx
LikeLike
Jo, this should be a fun year for tree-following. Liz
LikeLike
What is a “linky box” ? I would love to join in but don’t understand how.
LikeLike
Cathy send an email to sofaflyer at gmail.com and I’ll reply with details of what to do. xx
LikeLike
Mike, we’re off to an early start. I love the shape of your chosen Hornbeam. It is a standout, even without leaves. Thanks for posting my Seven-son and thanks to Pat for hosting.
LikeLike
Liz we sure are. Good for you. It is indeed. You’re most welcome. xx
LikeLike
Looking forward to following these two trees. The hornbeam is a lovely shape and will enjoy learning about a Seven-son. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andy that’s good to know. It sure is, and me too. xx
LikeLike
Andy, tree-following makes me pay closer attention to my tree of choice, so we’ll learn together. Thanks, Liz
LikeLike
Interesting looking trees, looking forward to learning more about them and following their progress. Karen x
LikeLike
Karen I agree, and so am I. xx
LikeLike
Karen, it will be a year of tree adventure! Thanks for your interest. Liz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent choices! That Chinese tree seems very rare and unusual – I look forward to finding out more about it. And the hornbeam is a favourite of mine – although I didn’t even know it existed until a few years ago. Small ones seem to be quite popular as street trees now but yours is in a great location where it can spread beautifully.
Thanks for taking part again 🙂
LikeLike
Pat, Mike and I had discussed following my seven son tree about four years ago and I’m still not sure why I went with a different choice. This is a fascinating tree, though. Thanks for hosting the meme, Pat. Liz
LikeLike
Pat thanks. I agree about Liz’s tree. It’s good to know that about hornbeams.
You’re most welcome. xx
LikeLike
It will be wonderful following these interesting trees.xxx
LikeLike
Snowbird, following these trees will be a pleasant diversion from all else that ails us this year! Liz
LikeLike
Snowbird good for you, it sure will. xx
LikeLike
This looks like a nice thing to do. I think I may have to choose a tree to follow in my local park.
LikeLike
Marika, finding a tree to follow at your local park will be an enjoyable thing to do this year. Please do! Liz
LikeLike
Marika hello, and welcome. I agree with Liz, please do. xx
LikeLike
Fantastic bark on that Seven-son flower tree – not a tree I’ve ever come across before, so I’ll look forward to reading more.
That photo of the Hornbeam shows off it’s shape so well.
Thanks
LikeLike
Andrew, the Seven-son tree bark in winter is fascinating, I agree. It will make me pay closer attention too. Thanks, Liz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrew hello, and welcome. I agree about Liz’s tree and nor have I.
Thanks, it’s certainly a tree that catches the eye. Cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two great trees! The hornbeam is a beautiful shape!
Juliet
LikeLike
Juliet when you compare my unruly Seven-son tree with Mike’s exquisitely shaped Hornbeam I realize I need to get out the loppers and saw to do some serious pruning. Liz.
LikeLike
Juliet hello, and welcome. I agree, on both counts. xx
LikeLike
Great choices, both of you!
LikeLike
Nikki thanks for your encouragement. I think concentrating on a tree will be a good diversion this year! Liz.
LikeLike
Nikki thanks. xx
LikeLike