

As I understand it this is the second book for the duo of Nancy Ross Hugo and Mr. Llewellyn. To get you in the right frame of mind Nancy outlines several strategies for tree viewing such as: “look down instead of up” this might seem counterintuitive when talking about a tree but think about how hard it is to examine tree features when your subject is 20 ft up! It’s much easier when you can hold a fallen leaf or twig in your hand.
This got me thinking of my first encounter with a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). I had walked under the tree for years but had never really seen it, not until the day some of its flower petals had fallen to the ground and I stopped to stare in amazement. Pictures like this one below, of its emerging leaves, tell me there is even more to discover (and an achingly beautiful image of a Liriodendron tulipifera flower in the book leaves no doubt that this tree is a member of the Magnolia family).


In reading I managed to solve a personal tree mystery, one that causes me hours of frustration every summer. What are those evil little things that fall from the Fir trees behind us to litter the patio, and collect around my agave spikes? They are the male cones of course! It seems so obvious now that I know.
The section on the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) was my favorite. I’ve been in love with this tree since, well, forever. Reading Seeing Trees on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the garden (because the garden is best place to read), then realizing I had positioned myself under the shade of my magnolia (M. macrophylla), a tree I planted, made the experience all the richer.
Photos of the Magnolia flower and cone (follicetum) like this magnified image of the sticky stigma had me putting the book down and heading to the garage to get a ladder so I could study the maturing cones on my tree up close!

(and yes, they did send me a copy of the book to review…but I’m keeping it!)
Now there is a coffee table book worthy of the space.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for these two new titles. The Timber Press Guide to Succulent Plants of the World: A Comprehensive Reference to More than 2000 Species by Fred Dortort and The Gardener's Guide to Cactus: The 100 Best Paddles, Barrels, Columns, and Globes by Scott Calhoun.
ReplyDeleteJust like Christmas!!!!!!!
Looks both beautiful and useful. I love Liriodendron tulipfera: we had one in our last garden. It was a stately tree and provided welcome cooling, especially on hot summer days.
ReplyDeleteOff to enter the contest!
Timber Press is very generous. I've reviewed several of their books for my [hardcopy] articles. This looks like a winner.
ReplyDeleteI signed up already. I could not find rules so I hope location doesn't disqualify me.
ReplyDeleteMy "trees" are still young so I don't need a ladder (yet) to appreciate them. I will share your article with a friend of mine who loves trees.