the next generation

Last fall my gigantic 70-year old oak trees had a bumper crop of acorns.  This spring . . . I have a bumper crop of baby oak trees everywhere.

My two gigantic oaks are situated on the tree lawn of my property.  I always assumed most people knew what a “tree lawn” is, but over the years, I’ve discovered that it is a term used in Cleveland.  Now, other cities may use it too, but Clevelanders always seem to know what I’m talking about when I use the term.  A “tree lawn” is the lawn between your sidewalk and the street.  If you’re lucky, the city plants the trees, but if not, they will often dictate what types of trees can be planted in this area.  Also, the city maintains these trees and if they decide they are unsafe and need to come down, you have no choice in the matter.

My beautiful oaks were planted right after World War II when the houses were built.  I think of my oaks as the “guardian angels” of my property as one sits on each side of the driveway.

They are massive and impressive trees.  Last week, I was weeding, edging, and mulching around them . . . a job I don’t necessarily enjoy.  But this time, for some reason, I was fascinated by the moss and tree lichen, which made the job more entertaining.

I love the deep crevices between the roots.  Almost seems like little fairies should be living there instead of weeds.

I have baby oaks in my grass and in my flower gardens that I’ll probably be pulling out for a few years to come.  This doesn’t happen every year, but it is nice to know nature provides so abundantly for the next generation.

“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind:  and God saw that it was good.”  ~  Genesis 1:12