Arboreal Beauty
Trees have been intertwined with human civilization since at least the advent of written records and have been revered for the protection and resources that they offer. Trees make appearances in some of the world's most influential literature, from the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in Judeo-Christian traditions to the cross-cultural "tree of life", and even represented the universe in Nordic cultures. Mankind's love affair with trees has resulted in a universal appreciation for the inherent aesthetic beauty of trees, which manifests itself in the inclusion of markedly beautiful trees into landscaping. While the beauty of trees is a fairly subjective topic of discussion, there are three types of ornamental tree that are world-renowned for their seasonal splendor; the Yoshino cherry trees, Kwanzan cherrytrees and Cornus florida, or flowering dogwood trees.
Yoshino Cherry Trees
The beauty of cherry blossom trees, or sakura, has inspired eloquent lines of poetry from admirers since they were first cultivated in Japan centuries ago and the Yoshino variety has become the poster child for their undeniable grandeur. The average American would best recognize Yoshino trees as the famous cherry blossom trees that cover Washington D.C. and are featured in Macon, Georgia's noted International Cherry Blossom Festival. The Yoshino cherry blossoms are small and delicate and their color usually ranges from white to a pale pink. Each flower has 5 petals, as do most Japanese sakura, and they generally bloom in early April, depending on the climate. Yoshino cherry trees make a beautiful addition to any home or public space and there small size makes them a fairly easy tree to maintain.
Kwanzan Cherry Trees
Kwanzan, or Kanzan, cherry blossoms differ quite a bit from those of the Yoshino, but are often planted together as the contrast between the white Yoshino and the deep pink Kanzan blossoms creates a stunning panorama. The blossoms are much tougher than the delicate, airy Yoshino flowers and contain up to 50 petals per flower.
Flowering Dogwood Trees
The flowering dogwood tree is far and away one of the most majestic trees in North America. Its wide, sprawling branches provide the perfect canvas its spring explosion. The flowering dogwood is an American icon of sorts, but its viability as an ornamental tree is questionable as their fragile bark makes gardening activities a potential death sentence.
Yoshino Cherry Trees
The beauty of cherry blossom trees, or sakura, has inspired eloquent lines of poetry from admirers since they were first cultivated in Japan centuries ago and the Yoshino variety has become the poster child for their undeniable grandeur. The average American would best recognize Yoshino trees as the famous cherry blossom trees that cover Washington D.C. and are featured in Macon, Georgia's noted International Cherry Blossom Festival. The Yoshino cherry blossoms are small and delicate and their color usually ranges from white to a pale pink. Each flower has 5 petals, as do most Japanese sakura, and they generally bloom in early April, depending on the climate. Yoshino cherry trees make a beautiful addition to any home or public space and there small size makes them a fairly easy tree to maintain.
Kwanzan Cherry Trees
Kwanzan, or Kanzan, cherry blossoms differ quite a bit from those of the Yoshino, but are often planted together as the contrast between the white Yoshino and the deep pink Kanzan blossoms creates a stunning panorama. The blossoms are much tougher than the delicate, airy Yoshino flowers and contain up to 50 petals per flower.
Flowering Dogwood Trees
The flowering dogwood tree is far and away one of the most majestic trees in North America. Its wide, sprawling branches provide the perfect canvas its spring explosion. The flowering dogwood is an American icon of sorts, but its viability as an ornamental tree is questionable as their fragile bark makes gardening activities a potential death sentence.
No comments:
Post a Comment