First up, the good news. After sweating it out all afternoon here in CT waiting to hear from Don, I was on the receiving end of some great news. The Sugar Maple is fine. The arborist didn’t see any sign of disease.
Yay!
He suggested some pruning is in order on that tree, the Catalpa (which sustained a bit of damage from the falling maple limb) and another maple that grows near the dog corral. And we have to have the dead hickory taken down, which I was already planning to do. But, the tree doesn’t pose any threat to the house, which I also suspected was the case, since it leans away from the house.
I cannot tell you how happy we are. The arborist said the maple is between 120 and 150 years old. The house was built in 1891, which makes it 122 years old. I like to think that the people who built our cottage planted that tree. We feel very strongly that we are its current caretakers and that we are entrusted with its health and safety. So we will gladly have some pruning done – anything to keep our beloved maple thriving.
Don sent some iPhone photos of the Chicken Wire Fence Garden and the glorious morning glories. They’re a bit blurry, but that’s okay by me.
Don entitled this one “The gang’s all here.” How I wish I was there to see this! That’s a lot of blooms!
This one is “O Sole Mio” because the bloom in the foreground is off by itself. But do you notice who’s hanging out with her? There’s my one and only sunflower! Don didn’t even notice it until I pointed it out to him. Isn’t it beautiful?
Today I have to take notes at the matinee of Macbeth. Last night’s preview went very well. Then the Red Sox vs. Yankees, and the Emmys. I’ll be watching both at the same time. Edited to add: No I won’t. The Emmys aren’t until next week.
Happy Sunday.
Dottie in Missouri says
So happy for you and your tree. We have a huge one also in our front yard. Have lost no big limbs yet thankfully. I think of all the children who must have played under that tree for all these years. The shade it provides is wonderful. Your Glories have really bloomed their little hearts out during these last days!
Claudia says
Why the limbs went down remains a mystery – but we’re thinking they were heavy and old and the wind was so strong that it got to them. Maybe with a little less weight on the tree, it will thrive.
Denise Of Coffeeberry Cottage says
Wonderful garden,so beautiful.I feel the same about old trees on an older property.I have also sweet memories of trees in My childhood that would be nice to see again.
Claudia says
Me too, Denise!
Linda says
Glad the tree will be okay.
WOW – that is a lot of Blue! Very pretty.
Catch ya tomorrow.
Smiles to you.
Linda
Claudia says
Thanks, Linda!
debra@ frugallittlebungalow says
Glad the maple is ok and the house is safe, in that the way that the maple leans you do not have to worry about that. Your flowers are just lovely and look as happy as can be! :)
Claudia says
Thank you, Debra!
Lori says
Such great news about the maple tree!!!
What a relief it must be for all of you :)
Your morning glories are so beautiful, your yard and porch are always so welcoming, I’m sure you’re anxious to get home and enjoy some outdoor time.
Thank you for mentioning the Emmy’s. We don’t watch network t.v. (for the most part) so are never sure when the awards shows come on. We’ve been watching Breaking Bad like maniacs, we have watched all 5 1/2 seasons in just 3 weeks (are finally up to date, it wasn’t easy) and will watch the Emmys (and the latest BB episode) tonite, what an incredible series, my oh my.
Have a great day and thanks again for your daily posts, they go well with my morning cuppa!
Lori
Claudia says
I’m wondering how House of Cards will do. The first series made entirely for Netflix. It has a LOT of nominations.
Dawn says
Congrats on the Maple tree:) and the flowers are lovely. I managed to get 3 sunflowers that the deer didn’t eat this year. They are about 6″ off the ground though, getting such a late start.
Claudia says
This one isn’t so tall either, Dawn. It’s sort of a mini-sunflower.
Donnamae says
Yeah to the tree!! That is indeed good news! Those morning glories are really going to town…so pretty! Enjoy the game! ;)
Claudia says
Thanks, Donna!
Pat says
Wonderful news about your tree Claudia!
To think…it is so old, and you know when your house was built so there is no question to the age of the tree.
If only it could talk.
The flowers are beautiful. I found it to be very sweet that your adorable Hubby “SENT YOU FLOWERS”! ~PAT
Claudia says
I know, what stories that tree could tell.
Don IS pretty adorable!
Chy says
Amazing news Claudia! I’m a tree hugger and so happy this majestic tree will still grace your property. I’m in awe of the age of your house. We live in a community that is just 55 years old, so the houses here are pretty new.
Enjoy the Emmy’s tonight!
Claudia says
I will, Chy. I’m pulling for House of Cards! But I have to watch the Red Sox, too. We’ll see which program is more exciting!
Pam in California says
A girl after my own heart…the Emmys and baseball (only here it will be the Dodgers and the Giants).
So happy your tree is safe and can bring happiness for many more years. Love that your husband sent pictures of your garden.
Claudia says
Me too, Pam. Who are you cheering for, by the way, the Giants or the Dodgers?
Pam in California says
I live in central California, so we are a mix of Dodgers/Giants fans, but I bleed blue. Go Dodgers!
Claudia says
We’re sort of Giants fans, as much as we can be when we’re really crazed Red Sox fans. Your Dodgers are doing really well this year!
Pam in California says
I won’t hold that against you! The Giants whomped us last night 19-3 but it has been a fun year to be a Dodger fan.
Nancy Blue Moon says
Wonderful news Claudia!..I hate to see when big old trees have to be taken down..they have watched over so many things in their long lives..How beautiful the morning glories are looking and that single sunflower..I have a few sunflower beauties growing around the bird feeder..I thank the birds for planting them for me..lol
Claudia says
I love that little sunflower. I forgot which kind I planted, so this is a nice surprise.
SUSIE says
Claudia, My morning glory is just like yours. I love the blue of it. Good news of your trees. You have some of the very same trees we do. I worry about our hickory, it’s showing signs of the past few draughts. This year the nuts are falling off fast and popping from the outer hulls. xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
We have no idea why it died. One half of it died the first year, the other half the second year. One of our friends said his died as well. We have another one that was very young when we bought the house and it’s finally grown to the stage where I can see nuts falling. That helps a bit.
Donna@Gardens Eye View says
Claudia that is great news…it is sad to lose trees…we will be taking down the last 80 ft ashes down in spring ahead of the emerald ash borer that is nipping at our heels.
Claudia says
Unfortunately all of our ashes were dying when we bought this house. Courtesy of the Emerald Ash Borer. It makes me sad because we must have at least 15 ash trees scattered around the property.
sharron says
wonderful news!!!!!
Claudia says
Yes, indeed!
sharron says
also do you read the blog tales from the coop keeper? she has a wonderful post today about the history of her home. thought you may like it.
http://talefromthecoopkeeper.blogspot.com/
Claudia says
I do occasionally. I’ll stop by and read the post. Thanks, Sharron!
Debby Messner says
Good news on the tree. we lost a big wild cherry tree this week. I looked down the road and there it was blocking the road and about 40 residents. The township came to my rescue and cleaned it all up. We live in an old Christmas tree farm. Our Spruces are dying because of some disease plus they are nearing their end. It is so expensive to cut down. They are huge and we have some leaners. Wish we had more trees that weren’t spruce or pine.
I always thought how amazing it was that homes and trees lived longer than humans.
Claudia says
I’m so sorry about your tree, Debby. And the spruces – I get so upset when trees die from some disease or blight. That’s what has happened withe ash trees around here. We have several that have died up in the back forty. Makes me so sad.
Suzan says
Great news!! Glad your tree is fine!!
Claudia says
Me too, Suzan!
Labbie1 says
Yay! The tree is okay! Good! Lovely morning glories and sunflowers…Great look together…
Claudia says
They do, don’t they?
debi says
Claudia, I’m so happy that your beautiful tree is okay. What a relief!
Claudia says
Me too, Debi! Don and I are so relieved.
Judy Clark says
Good news about your trees! Have a great day!
Your flowers are just beautiful!
Judy
Claudia says
Thanks, my friend!
Laura says
What great news about the tree. Hope it lasts another 150 years. xo Laura
Claudia says
Here’s too long-lived trees!
Chris k in Wisconsin says
Claudia, I just told my husband the Emmys are on tonight….. we looked to see what channel they are on, and they aren’t on until NEXT Sunday eve. I imagine it is the same everywhere……. so, my excitement has dwindled. :-(
chris
Claudia says
Oh, poop. Thanks for letting me know, Chris. I got the wrong information. I’ve edited the post to reflect that change!
Nana Diana says
Glad you old tree is going to weather its life storm. Oh-the Emmys are on tonight? I am so out of the loop that it isn’t funny. Blessings and Happy Sunday night- xo Diana
Claudia says
Well, apparently they aren’t on until next week, Diana! I somehow got the wrong information. Oh well. I’ll be able to fully concentrate on the Red Sox game.
Chris k in Wisconsin says
Oh, and I am SO HAPPY about the news you received from the arborist. I forgot to mention that!! And those Glories of the Morning are amazing!! :-)
chris
Claudia says
Thanks, Chris!
Melanie says
Glad to hear your tree is OK – whew! Love your Morning Glories…they have really taken off!
Claudia says
I love them too. I’m planting more of them next year.
Ann says
Oh I am so glad that your tree is ok!! yippee. your will still have your old friend for many more years!
Claudia says
Yes, we will!
Maureen says
I’m so glad you won’t lose the tree!
Claudia says
Me too, Maureen!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I am SO happy about your tree! Yay! Love the flowers!
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Linda!
Rose Hester says
I have been wanting to comment for some time. The news about the Tree is wonderful. I saw a movie today, Our Own Song, is your husband in the movie?
Claudia says
Don was in My Own Love Song, is that the movie you mean, Rose? He plays a homeless guy and he sings a Bob Dylan song in it.
Rose Hester says
Yes! He does have a great voice.