Spot The Gall

Recently I have been paying more attention to deformities in trees.  I would have called the the rough patches on this tree trunk 'galls' but it turns out they are burls or burrs depending on which side of the Atlantic you live.

Another tree in the same wood also has an impressive collection.

Casting back to an autumnal walk I thought this clumping of branches was a result of pollarding, or grazing cattle.  It is known as witches broom and, whatever the cause, is the tree's attempt to generate more root growth, albeit up in the air!

There is another impressive example on a silver birch just along the road.

Given the location pollution could be factor.

I have a lot to learn but I am looking forward to finding out more about these intriguing aberrations.

We are lucky to have a tiny remnant of mature woodland on our doorstep, saved from the developer by the steep gradient and now afforded the interest of a local group of enthusiasts.

Here is one of there recently erected information notices giving some background.

Psychedelic Botanics

We often visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh, but never after dark....until now.

In the run up to Christmas they put on an illuminated show that stretches right through the /gardens. 

Some features are familiar, but transformed:

Other paths have been given a completely new take.

It is certainly out of the ordinary.

Spooky Perthshire

 Driving through the highlands this sight can't fail to impress:

Zooming in,  the subject of this celestial spotlight is the village of Killin at the end of Loch Tay:

The abandoned railway is now a rather spooky walkway

But it is a singular tree in  nearby Fortingall that really impresses (and sends a shiver down my spine).  It is reputed to be  "the oldest living thing in Europe and possibly the World"

Which is why it is fenced off. In the past it has been vandalised and abused.  What you see above ground are the remnants of a much bigger trunk (52ft around in 1769) that after natural hollowing out was hacked back for trophies and burnt to the point that wedding parties could process through the middle of it.  It is the root system connecting the various remnants that has been dated as over 3,000 years old and possibly as many as 9,000.

The Fortingall Yew Fenced in

Another remnant that caught my eye was this lichen covered gate.

I don't think anything has been through this gateway for a while.  Halloween is approaching, just as well I don't believe in alien abduction...

Choosing a Christmas Tree

Well it's December now, so the "hold back Christmas until Christmas" campaign has accepted defeat for another year.  I am a signed up member of this defeated cause. Once, decades ago now, we ordered a Christmas tree from a supposedly reputable greengrocer to be held back until Christmas Eve. We got the last reject from his supply.  That was when I recognised the futulity of the cause. Now, 3rd December, Christmas panic is well advanced in the high street (or "shopping malls") stoked up nicely by TV, media and cyberspace. Today, after all is Cyber Monday the busiest internet buying day of the year.   Decorations have already been furled around offices and homes all over town along with the chocolate advent calenders. Will we have the liquor ones again this year???  The shops are already one month into Christmas with their decor. Don't get me wrong.  I love Christmas. I just don't like having it spoilt at the end of November rather than the end of December!  And as for the mass carnage (or should that be abourage?) of pine trees - it cuts against the grain for any grower or appreciator of plants.


So to escape from the hubub I enjoy taking the  dog for a walk and admiring some trees in a more naturalistic setting.   These could all be Christmas trees:

Monkey Puzzle

Douglas Fir?

Larch

Holly - and there's Toby in the corner

?

Cedar

Scots Pine

We are lucky to have a wide variety on our doorstep, courtesy of the owners of Craig House a century ago. As a post script the current owners of Craig House - Napier University are negotiating a sale of the site to property developers who want a return.  This involves 89 new homes in addition to the redevelopment of the existing buildings. Add 300 car parking spaces and there won't be so much room for trees, you can bet.


Hell: and I wanted to end on an upbeat note!


Just off now to place those online Christmas orders.