During my youth kids were required to pass through a tree climbing phase as part of the transition from being a kid to becoming a teenager. Not just any old tree would do of course. The majestic oak was always a tower of strength but the limbs were too high up for it to be a good climbing tree. Likewise, the tall pecan trees that grew in our yard would have required a chain of ladders just to make it to the first limb.
Back toward the center of our property grew a very beautiful Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia Virginiana) tree. The leaves were bright green with an almost wax appearance in the sunshine. Inside the green foliage it was very easy to climb right to the center trunk where numerous low hanging limbs were perfect for any size kid. It was so much fun to make the criss-cross climb across the various tree branches winding my way up as close as possible to the top. Inside the foliage, cool air rustling the leaves was the only sound heard on a summer's midday. The beautiful, fragrant magnolia flower blooms were always a special treat in March and April. Only a kid knew that the best views of the flowers were from an inside tree limb looking out towards the sun.
Of course for total climbing pleasure this kid of leisure would usually choose the fig tree. With its very low entry point from the ground, right away you're sitting half-way up in the middle of the tree. Our fig tree limbs formed a natural cradle allowing me to lay back with arms outstretched and relax just as well as any hammock. When the figs were in season it was a real treat just to reach out and grab a handful to snack on. Fairly often it became necessary to share the fig tree with passing birds because in choosing between fear of humans and the taste of ripe figs they always managed to be courageous.
Parents if you have the space to grow trees make sure your kids get to enjoy the wonderful pleasures of tree climbing. It will bless them with lifelong memories.
Jason Canon
For additional tree information visit: http://www.vanursery.com where over 160 trees are described along with photographs.
© Peach ePublishing, LLC
In addition to being a passionate gardener Jason Canon has authored numerous technical research papers including: photonic switching, gigabit networking, VoIP/E9-1-1, and others.
Email: jmc@canon.org.
Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep.... Read More
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More
Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More
To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle... Read More
1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower.... Read More
Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your... Read More
When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a... Read More
A rose is a rose is a rose - and... Read More
Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they... Read More
If you missed the springtime window of opportunity to divide... Read More
Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More
Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches,... Read More
1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More
While traveling the US and occasionally taking the back highways... Read More
Roses are one of natures most beautiful and splendid gifts.... Read More
Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More
Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the... Read More
After much searching and deliberation, I finally bought a lawnmower... Read More
Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family.... Read More
Okay, so you have spent hours upon hours creating the... Read More
A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More
During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More
Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More
Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More
There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
Are you searching for that perfect bench to set off... Read More
When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me... Read More
It's been time consuming, and there have been a lot... Read More
Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More
Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep.... Read More
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More
Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More
To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle... Read More
1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower.... Read More
Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your... Read More
When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a... Read More
A rose is a rose is a rose - and... Read More
Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they... Read More
If you missed the springtime window of opportunity to divide... Read More
Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More
Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches,... Read More
1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More
While traveling the US and occasionally taking the back highways... Read More
Roses are one of natures most beautiful and splendid gifts.... Read More
Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More
Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the... Read More
After much searching and deliberation, I finally bought a lawnmower... Read More
Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family.... Read More
Okay, so you have spent hours upon hours creating the... Read More
A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More
During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More
Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More
Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More
There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
Are you searching for that perfect bench to set off... Read More
When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me... Read More
It's been time consuming, and there have been a lot... Read More
Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening Landscaping & Gardening |