The Red Alder: Origin, Growth Habit, and Landscape Potential
Tree Chris Welch Tree Chris Welch

The Red Alder: Origin, Growth Habit, and Landscape Potential

Red alder (Alnus rubra), a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest, is an essential component of many ecosystems in the region. It serves ecological roles, including soil enrichment and providing wildlife habitat, while having commercial timber value. This post explores the red alder's origin, growth habits, and use in horticultural landscapes.

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Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk': A Majestic Addition to Your Garden
Tree Chris Welch Tree Chris Welch

Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk': A Majestic Addition to Your Garden

The European beech, Fagus sylvatica, is a tree celebrated for its majestic beauty and timeless elegance. The 'Red Obelisk' is a particularly stunning variety among its many cultivars. With its striking foliage, narrow, columnar form, and adaptability to various garden settings, Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk' is a choice that garden enthusiasts and landscape designers often make to add a touch of drama and vertical interest to their spaces.

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The Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
Tree Chris Welch Tree Chris Welch

The Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

The Albizia julibrissin, colloquially known as the Persian Silk Tree or Mimosa Tree, has been the subject of fascination for many garden enthusiasts. With its fragrant, pink blooms and fern-like foliage, it offers both aesthetic charm and functional use as a shade tree. However, like a coin with two sides, this tree also poses challenges and responsibilities for a potential grower. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the many facets of this enigmatic tree, aiming to provide you with a balanced perspective.

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Cornus Florida, Flowering Dogwood
Tree Chris Welch Tree Chris Welch

Cornus Florida, Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida, commonly known as flowering dogwood, is a small deciduous tree or shrub native to eastern North America, that is known for its showy springtime flowers, which are actually modified leaflike structures called bracts, which can be red, pink or white in color.

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