When we moved here I noticed a very old apple tree in the garden. The previous owner told us she is the only one left of what used to be an orchard. The rest were blown down in the great storm of 1987. She is a blenheim orange, there are not so many of these apple trees left, so she is very special. She is around 80 -90 years old and she is dying. In her doing so she is giving life and shelter to overwintering insects, nesting birds and roosting bats. Her trunk is hollow. She is the only fruit tree in the garden who waits for the mason bees to come before she opens her blossom. Her fruits are sweet, you can eat them straight from her or cook them and make crumbles. In summer I sit beneath her and rest when i am hot from a long day of gardening. I have an affinity with this tree. She is sacred to me....and if she falls in my lifetime she will not be removed. I shall leave her to rest and give her the respect she deserves. I have not posted a complete photo today, you will see her when she is covered in blossom and looking her best, as any weary old lady should.
Have a fab weekend.
17 comments:
What a great post. I love your analogy of the great old tree to a great old lady! And so, even after her fruits grow few, she serves in other ways.
Hope you have a great weekend!
She is a wonderful old tree Beckie, have a good weekend to.
I had a lump in my throat reading this Cheryl. You have such an affinity and empathy with nature and I find it quite humbling. If only the world had more people like you, then we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now, and destroying this beautiful world we live in. Living next to a wood, I do appreciate the life and sustainance that trees provide for all sorts of creatures, and I am so looking forward to seeing your grand old lady in all her splendid glory xxx
Dawny It is such a pleasure for me that someone understands what I am doing here. I have made a commitment toturn this garden into a sanctuary. It was a barren plot when we came. It had been sprayed to death with chemicals...That showed in the shed the people before left behind. I have planted dozens of trees shrubs and wildflowers. And after seven years, more and more wildlife come here, knowing they have a safe habitat.
Thank you for your good words...I have had a hard week this week. I have spent five hours everyday working, replanting and providing more habitats. Your words lifted my spirit and refreshed me.
Dear Cheryl,
You are a kindred spirit! I adore the way you honour the Apple Tree in your gardens. You are Mother Nature's Daughter.
I also leave all sorts of untidy, messy areas for the wildlife. LOL!
They are only "messy" because were trained to think so!
Cold snap is in my gardens too. Snow forcasted for this coming weekend.
Lots of rain this past week and I am still under the weather. Have not been able to get outside very much, too cold and wet!
Hope you enjoy your weekend. I shall go cuddle up with a book and a cup of tea.
Thank you for sharing your olde and charming Apple Tree.
Sherry
Cheryl, the way you wrote this put a knot in my throat. It's such a wonderful commentary, full of love and respect. Oh, I hear you.
What a wonderful tree. Let's see her in bloom.
Mary
Hi Sherry...yes we are kindred spirits. I know your love of nature extends as far as mine and our understanding of each other is beyond words.
Feel well soon, sending get well messages.
Hi Mary....Another of my nature loving friends. I knew you, of all people, would hear me.
You will see her in her full glory.
Oh Cheryl, this post really touches my heart. I think trees don't get the respect they should in most places. What a lucky apple tree.
I had a neighbor that cut down a big ole apple tree that a Great Horned Owl nested in yearly. She even knew it. SAD
I can't wait to see your Dame in her spring frock of blooms.
How sad that your neighbour did not think. And the poor owl lost his home. This saddens my heart.
You shall see her in her glory, I will pop over and let you know.
Tks for droppping by.
Cheryl, What a wonderful post. I've been reading all the comments and I don't know that I can say anything else but to echo what has already been said. This was so touching; I loved the last part about waiting to take a photo of her properly, in her best finery. A beautiful tribute!
What a beautiful post .. and what a wonderful tree!
I love knowing that you're out there, doing your thing and quietly working for the earth.
It gives me great encouragement.
Hi Rose, Tku for all you said. I have been taken back by the comments, its so good knowing there are more people out there that care about this wonderful planet of ours.
Hi Hedgewitch....I am pleased to give you reassurance. This for me is a life long ambition, to make an acre of sanctuary and shelter for wildlife. I work with nature here, I have learned not to fight her and treat her with the respect she deserves.
Tks for dropping by.
Nice one cheryl,it's good to have an affinity with your tree and the rest of your garden.I think one of the trees we planted was one of these, I shall go and have a look.
I hope you have planted a blenheim orange Mark. They look craggy as they age and the fruit is fantastic.
A beautiful old gal, Cheryl, and I look forward to seeing her in all her finery.
Me to Ladyluz, me to.
What a wonderful tribute to a grand tree. You're both lucky!
(Found you via Earth & Tree)
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