The Ash Tree

This is my favorite tree out here at Willis Creek Ranch.  I am always so happy to see it leaf out in the springtime, thankful it is still thriving.  It is an Ash tree - and unfortunately, Ash trees are endangered due to the emerald ash borer.  It is our only Ash tree, so maybe that will help?  I have no idea...

This little tree has always had my heart, though.  We joke about our lack of horticultural skills out here.  (Julie got all those genes!)  :)  Marvin and I have planted so many trees, shrubs, and flowers that have not survived... I fear what a plant-based archeological dig might uncover!  I am the only person I know who plants annual perennials.  ;)  But this little Ash tree is our very own 'Charlie Brown' tree come to life!  I wish I had a photo of it when we first planted it.  It may well be in the background of some other photo of the time... one day I'll put on a search.

We had purchased many trees from nurseries and had not had very good luck.  One day, near the end of planting season, we were at a local store just looking around.  There was one lone tree in a pot at the end of a row.  It had a tag that had been marked down several times, ending with the price of $3.  It was pitiful looking.  It was dried up and had maybe 5 leaves in total hanging onto a branch.  But, it was only $3!  I told Marvin I wanted to take it home and give it a try.  I mean, we could only lose $3 with this one, right?  It just spoke to me.

I think Marvin thought I was crazy, but we brought it home and he dutifully put it in the ground outside our bedroom window.  Over the years I have watched in amazement as it not only survived, but grew and became a beautiful tree!  In my opinion, it is the most beautiful tree we have out here at Willis Creek Ranch!  It is the tree you see most often in my 'gazing across the landscape' photos.  It is the tree that has the richest green leaves in the summer and the prettiest fall color.  And I still love it.  :)

I've been taking photos of it this fall.  Once just before peak color, once after a storm blew through and knocked most of the leaves off, and once just last week when the sunset was spectacular and my little tree stood strong with bare branches taking in the beauty.

before peak color...

After the storm...

a sunset sky...