Liz – last month saw three severe winter storms pass across the state leaving the Seven-sons tree in my back garden here in Lexington, Kentucky covered in ice and snow.
These two pictures were taken on February 18th, and in the lower one the power cable is being pressed down by branches. I had to clip these away to allow the cable to return to it’s usual level. I hope that spring now brings much better weather so that the tree will show signs of new growth by next month.
Mike – Tuesday was a bright and sunny day so I detoured on my way home from the plot to have a look at the Hornbeam. From a distance it doesn’t look as green as it did last month, and close up it was noticeable that the lichen had mostly faded to a greyish-green. Also visible, as you can see in the lower picture, are the yellow catkins starting to form.
By next month they should be bigger and I’ll be able to get better photos of them.
Our thanks to Pat, The Squirrelbasket, for hosting tree following, and if you want to see what it’s all about, and perhaps, join in, please have a look at this tree following post.
Take care, and have a good weekend!
Flighty's plot 
That hornbeam is a beautifully shaped tree
Juliet
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Juliet I agree, it is. xx
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This post couldn’t illustrate more the difference in weather we’ve had at each side of the pond. I’m sure there’ll be a big difference in next month’s post as spring arrives and new growth takes hold.
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Jo I’m thankful that the weather here was nothing like as bad. I’m sure you’re right, and there will be. xx
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Jo, yes, it does seem as though we’ve had some differences in severity and degree of weather, especially mid-February. I’m looking forward to spring!
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Both the hornbeam and your photo are so dramatic, love it xx
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Andy thanks, it’s certainly a wonderful photogenic tree. xx
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I didn’t know that hornbeams had catkins. My hazelnut trees have yellow catkins right now as well!
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Liz I hope I’m right, I better recheck that they do! They must be pleasing to see. xx
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Oh, I like the bark on that Seven-Sons tree. Three storms, though…. ugh.
Catkins on the hornbeam! About how big do they get ultimately?
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Nikki me too. One is too many…
That’s right, I think! I’ll have to check that, and see how big they get if they do. xx
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Nikki, the trunk of the seven sons is fascinating. We had two weeks in mid-February when it was almost impossible to go outdoors because of ice. So glad spring is on the way!
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I love the Hornbeam, such a beautiful tree. Goodness, your weather sounds awful Liz, glad you saved the cable.xxx
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Snowbird it seems to be a popular choice. xx
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Snowbird, indeed, I am relieved to not have the cable dislodged by ice. That cable is actually the one that provides my TVs, phone, and Internet service. Fingers x’d it stays in place! Liz
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The close up of the snow of the Seven-sons tree shows the bark quite nicely as well.
Nice to see the catkins emerging on the Hornbeam, and nice to see some blue sky too!
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Andrew it sure is, on both counts.
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Andrew, I’m glad there was an opportunity to see the seven son peeled bark. I should think more like Lucy (Loose and Leafy in Halifax) and really concentrate on the up-close surprises in nature. Liz
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Hi,
Your tree is awesome…beautiful and majestic. Have a great day!
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Sherrie hello, and thanks for your comment. You too. xx
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Fascinating post as always – and as someone else commented, very different weather.
I hope the Seven-sons rallies as the days get warmer.
And the hornbeam is perfect.
All the best to both of you 🙂
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Pat hello, and yes indeed hope for less dire weather days and recovery for the Seven-sons, Liz.
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Pat thanks, the weather has certainly been that. I agree it is.
Thanks, and for you too. xx
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