Trees!

I always pay attention to trees, but lately, I've been noticing them even more. Perhaps it's the long light of mornings and evenings at this time of year which makes their form more striking.

Or perhaps it's because -- on a personal note -- I had cataract surgery in the last two months on both eyes; colours and detail are even more noticeable and enjoyable now! 

Cedars at Beacon Hill Park in the late afternoon light

An intriguing tree in James Bay highlighted by the afternoon sun.

Or, perhaps I'm noticing trees because of the impact of months of drought. 

Signs of drought in Beacon Hill Park. Garry Oaks are adapted to dry summers in Victoria; hopefully the brown leaves are the trees' way of surviving and they will be back next spring.

Impact of drought, Beacon Hill Park

And then, I find evidence of survival despite the drought.

Arbutus, Rithet's bog

I've been pleased to see the efforts of the City to protect their investment in new trees in park areas.

Here a city worker stands with a hose, watering trees planted last year along the Dallas multi-use pathway.

This is heavy work! A city worker carries buckets of water in Beacon Hill Park to manually water new trees in the park.

Protecting trees is a theme that recurs in neighbourhood meetings for new developments; the residents I've heard speak are very passionate about the trees of James Bay..

At a recent meeting of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, a development was being discussed for a portion of what is now a parking lot. I was intrigued to hear a landscape architect talk about a proposed green roof for the underground parking.

The slab will be depressed and filled with enough volume of soil to grow healthy trees. Basically -- trees growing on top of a parking garage! Stormwater will be redirected to ensure enough moisture.

Screenshot from recent Landscape Architect presentation. These trees will be growing over top a parking garage.

I see many trees successfully growing out of pavement in the downtown core; hopefully the trees proposed by the development will survive.

The trees of Victoria -- both native and non-native -- are an essential feature of the city's appeal. May they continue to thrive in these times of climate disruption.

And may we continue to plant trees! There are often planting opportunities through groups working on landscape restoration.

If you need any motivation, have a listen to this beautiful song "To the Planters of Trees" by the Baha'i singer Nancy Ward, It was recorded at least 30 years ago, but still gives me shivers when I hear it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uv6wfNLQNU

Be well!