Last Friday was celebratory tree day in Greenwich, with some 65 tree lovers gathered at the Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses for the Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s annual Reception honoring the Treasured Trees contest winners. Those private property trees so nominated by Greenwich residents were judged by their special history or unique species or shape.
The Northern Red Oak had a winning family history as nominated by Ingrid Thalheim. Placed alongside the waters of Old Greenwich the Oak has withstood many storms and winters. “It’s a beautiful tree – standing tall,” described Thalheim. “Its roots are deep into the soil as are the roots of my family. It sits in the backyard of my father’s childhood home. As a kid, my brothers, cousins, and I use to have ‘summer camp’ beneath this tree. The view across the cove at sunset wouldn’t the same if this tree wasn’t there.”
A Sycamore Maple reigns supreme in majesty in Riverside on Pierce Street. It grows behind a house built in 1908 by Commodore Pierce “for whom the street was named” described its present owners, Sam & Ellie Telzer. They ascertain the tree was planted when the house was built. The Telzers call their backyard “a Disney movie yard because of the wildlife and birds we have. The tree helps fulfill that vision. The animals run around and up and down the tree…Everyone that spends time on our back porch or in the backyard wants to sit under the tree and read. It is an integral part of our home – it would not be the same without that tree!”
Surely earning an Honorable Mention – is the venerable Sugar Maple just across the border in North Stamford, nominated by Samuel Abernathy, and said to be nearly 300 years old, making it one of the oldest Sugar Maples in the country. Properly named Methuselah!
Debbie Sterling’s winning tree of beauty might be seen from a distance as having large showy white leaves (bracts) appearing like doves, hence its name a Dove Tree (Davidia).
So, there the winners are, forever to be recognized and honored with a nameplate identifying their scientific and common name courtesy of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy.
Given also to winners at the reception was a framed photograph of that nameplate installation.
Those tree lovers thinking of nominating trees for the 2022 Treasured Trees might profit from an upcoming opportunity to learn about trees in a “Tree Walk at Byram Shubert Library and Adjacent New Lebanon School Property this Saturday, October 23, from 10:30 to 12:30. Join the expert, Superintendent of Greenwich Parks and Trees/Town Tree Warden Dr. Greg Kramer with over 25 years of experience in the horticulture industry and a doctorate in plant medicine. And wear sturdy shoes! To register visit www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org
