This tree is an Amelanchier, and was purchased by my parents when Bethany was born in 1993.
It’s amazing to think that this tree had a broom handle as a stake when I first dug it in as it was no more than a mere sapling. Just like Bethany it has grown. This however is where the similarity ends. The tree doesn’t need constant feeding and doesn’t leave damp towels over the bathroom floor, neither does it worry about how it looks every second of the day. It most certainly has no issue with boys, fashion, makeup, money, spots or embarrassing dads.
On the other hand the tree doesn’t give such brilliant hugs, and you would not class an Amelanchier as the most conversational of trees….allbeit I think Prince Charles would disagree.
In my humble view every garden should have an Amelanchier. It starts the year off with bright red berries, moves through to the next cycle of beautiful white blossom, and as for Autumn, wow that is something, the deep green leaves change to an incredible array of browns, oranges and reds.
I often wonder how to take cuttings. What would happen when I move? I’m sure if you don’t see the beauty it can be a nuisance. Leaves over the driveway in autumn, fallen blossom over the cars in Spring.
Nevertheless I love it, not just because it’s a gorgeous tree to have in my front garden, but every time I stop and gaze at it, I think of my Beth, who, when reading this will utter those words that every dad longs to hear ‘Dad, your so embarrassing!!!’
Steve Pearson 