Dogwood Saga

April 5, 2018, I had a Prairie Pink dogwood tree planted just on the inner edge of our woods. Dogwoods are an understory tree, so it seemed the perfect spot. And it was. Except: That year, we had a record cold spell of 18 degrees Fahrenheit the night of April 6, 2018. Great timing on my part. (Actually, I had purchased the tree a few weeks earlier, in March, and the nursery got around to planting it in April.)

On April 6, 2018, I wrapped the tree up to protect it - Readying for freeze. It did well, pulling through the freeze, beautifully - Effects of the Freeze. However, the tree all but died in the winter. When the nursery guy came out to plant the Texas Whitebud tree in April 2019, he examined the dogwood tree and its one little blossom, and pronounced that the nursery would replace the tree. They did - in May 2019. This spring was to be the replacement tree's first year to bloom, here. I'll let you judge from the photos, below, how well it has done.

Although Hunky Husband thinks me a nut for planting gingko and walnut trees, as I shan't be around when they grow large enough to be significant, he doesn't make fun of my planting trees that blossom, shortly. In fact, he has listened to my glowing remarks about how much I enjoy observing the blooming dogwood that he has given me "permission" to plant more small, flowering trees - well away from the house; but, he said he would be willing to mow around them if I gave him ample room. For several years, now, I've pursued the goal of taking out trees that are near the house and planting trees further away - fire considerations.

Comments

[Joared]

Congrats! Lovely blooms!

[vagabonde]

I hopped to you from Ronni’s blog where I copied one line from your comment.
I also had some trees planted. I had two planted last year, a small magnolia and an autumn glory maple. Then last month I had 5 more planted that I purchased from a non-profit organization, the Nashville Tree Corps. Got 3 hollies, 1 Japanese Cherry, a duodar cedar and a redbud. That was a birthday present to myself since I had to celebrate alone in the house. I’ll be long gone before they are totally grown, but that’s OK.

[Cop Car]

Joared--Thanks. It is funny; but, only after my mother died did I start favoring her favorites. She loved dogwoods. She loved driving through the woods of the Ozarks in the spring.

Vagabonde--Thanks for dropping in. I do see your comments at Ronni's, and check out your beautiful photos every week or so.

Oh...the autumn glory maples are glorious! I have several hollies along the foundation on the northwest side of our house. It will be fun, for you, watching the plants grow - as long as you last. Happy belated birthday.

[bogie]

For such a small tree, that dogwood looks nice. It will be stunning once it gets it's roots really sunk in.

Vagabond - is that the October Glory maple? I planted one a couple of years ago and even though it is small, the fall show doesn't disappoint.

[Cop Car]

Bogie--Good question for Vagabond. I had mentally confused her "autumn glory" with "October glory" so I guess I don't know what she has.

As to dogwood trees: I think that this dogwood tree is at least the fifth one I've planted and the first one to live, let alone produce so many blossoms. I planted at least one (I think, two) at Sunrise - that died. But...it/those were up next to the house rather than in the woods. I'm thinking about having Hillside Nursery add a couple more back there in the woods - this fall?) Mom always tried to grow dogwood trees and crepe myrtles; but, without luck on either. At least, I've no problem with crepe myrtle.