After a two month absence, we returned to our Littleton, Colorado, farm to find that most of the trees, shrubs, pastures and "lawns" appeared to be in good health. Sad exceptions were three modest-sized ash trees that I have been nursing over the past 15 years or more.
I'm not yet sure if their demise is related to the ash blight or to a severe cold snap that occurred here in mid spring. Regardless of the cause, their deaths were an unexpected blow, especially coming amidst the relentless and distressing news about the coronavirus pandemic.
At times like these, we look to nature for solace and are usually rewarded. But she is all about life and death and, here in a semi-arid environment, where we often try to push the tolerance of certain species, one must respect her verdict. Any future plantings will be limited to trees and shrubs that have evolved within this ecosystem.
I'm not yet sure if their demise is related to the ash blight or to a severe cold snap that occurred here in mid spring. Regardless of the cause, their deaths were an unexpected blow, especially coming amidst the relentless and distressing news about the coronavirus pandemic.
At times like these, we look to nature for solace and are usually rewarded. But she is all about life and death and, here in a semi-arid environment, where we often try to push the tolerance of certain species, one must respect her verdict. Any future plantings will be limited to trees and shrubs that have evolved within this ecosystem.
