Russ&Suzie

Trip Log
2009-05-17 12:44:23 (UTC)

John Price and the redbud tree

One of the wonderful features of Spring since we lived in
Texas happens to be the redbud tree with its intense pinkish
red blossoms. John pointed out the intensity during our
first sightings of them in Iowa as we took a break from the
long drive and found two specimens next to the sidewalk.
First, they don't have them where he lives and the intensity
of color heightens as a result of the blossoms coming out
prior to the leaves. Richard Quinney, with whom we had
lunch on Thursday (May 14), pointed out my unfamiliarity
with them as a child: this latitude turns out to be the
northern most extent of them, though I saw many in Texas
during my 15 years there.

John wished to have us see a redbud tree in our backyard and
acquired one on Friday before he left. It stands about 12
feet now and will achieve 20 to 30 feet if it survives and
flourishes. We initially thought of it on the southern most
section atop a pile of stones but since an evergreen that
I'd give up for lost shows signs of reviving we yesterday in
digging the hole for its roots displaced the invasive
honeysuckle bushes that occupy space. I was going to obtain
the rotted manure and peat moss but after saying goodby to
John at the airport, I found myself at my studio eager for
more of a go at the works I'm putting together for the June
show. So today -- when Susie and I go to Manitowoc to attend
the reception of the Wisconsin Visual Artists Biennial --
we'll check for garden centers and obtain the needed
ingredients and perhaps later today complete the planting.

John wishes as he imagines us functioning in the house to be
here too and that will happen with the redbud tree.

Added note on 5/18/09. Just planted it this morning just before I learned of
Craig Davies death last night.





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