I have become so much more aware of vegetation, foliage and trees since moving to the South. It seems there is a never ending array of beauty here, especially now in the fertile summertime. I am trying to learn all the plant and tree names and I constantly make mental notes of things I want to plant in my yard. I love the tropical look here- the banana trees, the elephant ear plants, the sago palms. Maybe because I spent so many years in the Northeast and had to endure month after month of bare trees, do I savor the lush greenery of the steamy south.

When you think about it, a tree is a remarkable thing. Chances are it was around before you saw it and will outlive you by many years. It provides us with so much- a tree can absorb odors and pollutant gases and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. They provide oxygen, shade, which in turn could help conserve energy, they prevent erosion, they give us food, and wood and paper and are home to many small creatures. Maybe those tree huggers have the right idea!

The streets here that are lined with live oaks are positively breathtaking. There is a lacy delicate tree across the street and I finally was able to identify it- a mimosa tree! The magnolias are another favorite.

When I was a child in Wisconsin, many of the beautiful elm trees in our area were infected with Dutch elm disease and the massive specimen in our front yard had to be cut down. My mom let us stay home from school that day to watch. I took pictures of it coming down. And I cried.

Send us a great tree story- did you have a tree house? Do you have a photo of a special tree? Did you used to climb trees? How about carving your initials?

Jane