My brother and I spent a few hours yesterday at the RBG planning a commemorative tree for Mom. We lucked out with mild weather and cloudless blue skies - a perfect day to hike around the gardens. As we pulled into the Arboretum a lone bald eagle circled above the car - an auspicious sign, I think.
The tentative plan is to plant a London Plane Tree in the RBG. It's a beautiful big sycamore tree with exfoliating bark and attractive green leaves. The fruit is a ball of seeds on stiff hairs that disperse by wind, similar to the parachute seed balls you see on dandelions. Birds eat the seeds. Two large London Plane Trees frame the entrance to the path leading to the shoreline where we scattered Mom's ashes last year.
Our tree'll be planted in a public garden with a small commemorative plaque. We'll be able to sit underneath it - well, once it has grown that is - and have a place where Mom's name is permanently engraved, a place where we can reflect and remember.
And Mom, we checked up on all your favourites ... the goslings are hatched and thriving, the swans look content and the lilacs are blooming.
3 comments:
That is an awesome memorial! I love the RBG. So cool that you got to see the bald eagle. A pair just began nesting there in the last couple of years. I haven't seen them yet, but I love raptors.
That is such a beautiful memorial to your mom !
What a beautiful way to remember your Mom!
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