Magnolia Tree Gardening Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Magnolia’

Paints, oils, and watercolor are traditional media for art. Over the ages, artists have used them to create stunning pictures that captivate the mind.

There is also another genre of artists that do not use traditional media. Instead, they use other nonstandard materials to make beautiful art. For example, some may use butterfly wings to make beautiful artwork. Some use coins to create an interesting mosaic.

Some of the easiest nonstandard materials to work on are leaves. Leaves come in an infinite number of shapes, forms, colors, and sizes. These factors make leaves a perfect art material.

Here are some wonderful art ideas that you can make easily.

1. Paint spatter silhouettes

To protect the surface you are working on, place some old newspapers on it. Now take a large poster board. Place your leaves on the poster board and arrange it to your liking. Any number of leaves is fine but it is best to restrict the number to around two or three. With the leaves in place, dip an old toothbrush into a color medium; enamel paint usually works best. Hold the brush near the leaves, and run your finger across the bristles, flicking the paint. You can do this process several times with different colors. When dry, lift the leaves carefully; you will see a wonderful bare leaf outline around color splatters. Frame the board and you will have an interesting leaves wall décor for your home.

2. Angel feathers

Magnolia leaves are best used for this project. Start of by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda for one quart of water in a porcelain boiling pan. Lay the leaves in the vessel and pour over the baking powder solution. After boiling for half an hour, set aside to let the leaves cool in the solution. Take the leaves out and scrape the green surface with a knife. Once this is done, you will have a nice shape of a feather.

Make a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per quart of water. Place the leaves into the solution and set aside for an hour. When the leaves turn white, take them out and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Gently dry the leaves with a washcloth. Once dry, place the leaves between paper towels and press or weigh. Place wires on the leaves for stems and wrap it with florist tape. You can then frame the leaves.

3. Iron-on leaf designs

Choose nicely shaped leaves of different sizes. Then choose the substrate, the material to transfer the design to-be it cloth dinner napkins, T-shirt pocket, stationery, or a hanky. Color the back of the leaf with a bright colored crayon; then colored side on the material.

Cover the leaf with a thin cotton cloth, and press a warm iron on it for a few seconds.

4. Leaf prints

Here is another good leaves wall décor for any room in your house. Lay the leaf on a surface. You can use poster board, but you can be creative by using an unusual material such as papyrus or recycled brown paper. Use the side of a crayon to rub over side of the leaf. You can use as many colors as you like. When you lift the leaf off the material, you will be left with the shape of the leaf.

The beauty of flora with their enjoyable perfume, faintness and manifold insignia charm the people around the world. There are many types of flora found around the world.

The plants can be classified in many habits according to the purpose. Their beauty mendacity in their suppleness, their pleasant aroma and their diverse flag. Flowers have also enjoyed exclusive place in the hearts of lovers and poets. Many different types of plants can also be found in mythology, sacred signs and myths of different races.

In the broader brains, the types of plants can be classified as three groups , Single Flowers, Clusters and Inflorescence. Single Flowers are found at the tip of the long follow on the diverge of the conceal. Magnolia and Tulip are examples of this capture. Clusters are a group of flowers compactly formed in kindling. Pentas, mango and firethorn are some examples of this brand of flowers. Inflorescence is arrangement of groups of flowers. The spectacle has a great assortment in among different types of flowers.

Spring spell is synonymous with flowers and it brings with it an array of unusual blossoms known as jump flowers. Tulips are the most well known coil flowers. Other common helix flowers are the, crocus, dahlias, lilies daffodils and hyacinth. A unsullied garland of bounce flower arrangement can make a great flower gift and liked by one and all.

Roses are considered sign of honey and romance. Red roses are particularly celebrated as lovers switch roses everywhere. Valentine’s being are incomplete without red roses. Usually lone red roses are sued to say “I worship you”. Tulips are whispered to have originated from the Middle East expanse and enjoyed the location of the emblem of the Turkish Empire about a thousand days ago. Tulips embody dreaminess, imagination and declaration of love. Iris is named after the Greek goddess Iris. Iris also represents meaning along with faith, heroism and wisdom by its three grass. It is the pictogram of royals and divine protection through centuries. Daisies have white petals with fair centers. Daisies are flawless to show that you trouble. The variety and beauty is spectacular in lively colors. They are symbols of friendship and innocence.

Flowers are loved universally for their beauty and perfume. Flowers have been worn to embody the creature sentiments over the centuries all over the world.

Arthur Court is a range of “silverware” and decorative products made of aluminum, polished to a brilliant luster. More significantly, the products are designed professionally, with inspiration from natural and man-made objects.

The prestigious range of products is made by Arthur Court Designs, of Arthur and Elena Court of San Francisco Bay area. In addition to running the company, the Courts design the products, contribute their time to conservation and wildlife causes, travel all over the world and collect minerals and artifacts.

Arthur Court worked for design and decorating firms for eighteen years before opening his own business. His vast mineral collection inspired and helped him create exotic designs, and the intricate aluminum creations that he offered proved highly successful in the market.

Elena Orsini-Court studied Oriental art history and modern art. She has worked as a corporate art consultant and curator for public art exhibitions. She is the director of product development at Arthur Court Designs, and also its president.

Designs come from numerous sources. It can come from the flowers, leaves and stems of plants and trees, animals and their movements, men, women and their creations. Traditional art provides many of the motifs used in products such as those made by Arthur Court Designs.

The vast and exotic collection of minerals gathered by the Courts would be an invaluable reference source for any designer. And Arthur Court Designs has used this source to marvelous effect.

Over five hundred designs have been used in their range of serve ware and decorative products. We take a brief look at a sampling of the range.

The American Traditional series include casseroles, trays, salad sets, trivets, American traditional granite and chip & dip servers. The most striking feature of these products is their stunning designs and brilliant luster.

The Bunny range utilizes bunny shapes and patterns in decorative products like photo frame and swing ornaments and utility products like a salt & pepper set.

Della Robia series offers salad bowls, cheese/cracker sets, chip & dip servers and a pitcher worked with amazingly intricate patterns.

The Dragonfly series range from an intricate sweetener holder with dragonflies all round to a simple square plate with a dragonfly embossed in one corner.

The Longhorn features the American Buffalo and the range includes salt & pepper set, fruit bowl stand with a transparent acrylic bowl and an oblong tray, among other items.

The Soho range has a design that pleases the eye with its apparent simplicity despite the obvious sophistication.

Other series include American Wilderness, Autumn, Baby, African Safari, Fleur De Lis, Frog, Horse, Large Animal Coolers, Magnolia, Chili Pepper, Pineapple and Palm Leaf, Tuscan, Western, Sealife Designs and even a Collegiate (offering licensed insignias of specific schools).

It is no wonder that Arthur Court Designs has been able to capture the fancy of consumers with the wide variety, sophistication and brilliance of its designs. The numerous themes cater to varied interests and the artistic execution pleases the eye and mind.

If location is king in real estate, then Waxhaw uses its prime location to its supreme advantage. The town runs right up to the edge of Mecklenburg County. This area is a big draw for people venturing into the South Charlotte real estate market.

Folks like to live here for three very good reasons; it’s location, excellent schools, and low, low taxes (just shy of half that which you would pay in Charlotte)!  Here, you are more apt to find homes with 6,000 square feet, than to find homes with 2500 square feet. Most of the homes are relatively new, as are the schools. The area really expanded its growth upon the heels of South Charlotte and the Ballantyne Development.

Once horse country, a drive down any of its old country roads would take you past some beautiful rolling pasture land, with barns as the backdrop for the horses that grazed there. A  few farms are left, but most have succombed to developers. Home to many estates. Here you’ll find one very large development, with three sections: Providence Downs, Providence Downs South and The Residences of Providence Downs South. Each street within the development is named after a Derby winner or a horse of note. Home prices range from $500, 000 to  $3.5 Million (July 2009).  The school set up is Marvin Elementary, Middle and High School. The community offers a clubhouse, pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, a putting green, fitness center, and walking trails. Many of these homes have their own pool…and a little of everything else! Very grand, indeed.

Another development close to the South Charlotte border is Toll Brothers’ Marvin Creek. Marvin Creek’s idea of a pool area, will leave you scratching your head. It is every child’s dream pool!  Noted for its incredible amenities, Marvin Creek’s residents enjoy a 6,500 square foot clubhouse with a beach pool, lazy river, geyser park, tennis and multipurpose courts. The entrance to the community is equally impressive with a spray of fountains and guardhouse. Homes in this neighborhood typically range in price from $600,000-$900,000; with 4,000-6,000 heated square feet-give or take a few!

Longview Country Club is also tucked in right across the border. Rated #11 in NC by Golf Digest, this gated community opened in 2003. A Jack Nichlous Signature course, sporting a 28,000 square foot clubhouse with multiple lounges, dining areas and terraces. Stunning. The 10,000 square foot activity center’s lower level is complete with massage and steam rooms, state of the art work out equipment, and fitness classes. If you need a place for the kids, there is a Youth Lodge upstairs. The pool facilities offer both adult and family resort-style pools, with a wading area and a hot tub. There are also four Har-Tu tennis courts. This is just one of a very few gated communities in the Charlotte real estate market. Prices range from $900,000 to $3.5 million.

The draw for all of these neighborhoods, is the convenient location to South Charlotte. Within a five mile range, you can be at one of many fine establishments. Every type of restaurant, boutique, national, local and chain store imaginable…all set amongst fountains, and nightly music, theatres, plenty of plenty! It is also very easy on the eye. Each shopping area has been beautifully developed with the use of pedestian friendly venues. Going from shop to shop is no hardship here. The use of landscaping has softened the retail shoppes and the roadways. It’s all very, very nice.

Some of our MOST popular neighborhoods on this ‘just over the border’ area of South Charlotte, would be the communities of Hunter Oaks and Somerset. They were the hottest neighborhoods going, when the roads opened up into Union County. They have continued to be top sellers in the Charlotte real estate market today. Both offer wonderful swim clubs, tennis courts and playgrounds. Buffed up by huge Oak and Magnolia trees, sidewalks a plenty and street lamps. The price ranges in here from $300,000 to $500, 000. The square footage range is between 2200 and 4500. The schools are yet another draw, with Rea View Elementary, Marvin Ridge Middle and High School.

So, there you have it! If you are shopping for Charlotte NC real estate, don’t overlook it’s bordering counties!

If location is king in real estate, then Waxhaw uses its prime location to its supreme advantage. The town runs right up to the edge of Mecklenburg County. This area is a big draw for people venturing out of the South Charlotte real estate market.

Folks like to live here for three very good reasons; it’s location, excellent schools, and low, low taxes (just shy of half that which you would pay in Charlotte)! Here, you are more apt to find homes with 6,000 square feet, than to find homes with 2500 square feet. Most of the homes are relatively new, as are the schools. The area really expanded its growth upon the heels of South Charlotte and the Ballantyne Development.

Once horse country, a drive down any of its old country roads would take you past some beautiful rolling pasture land, with barns as the backdrop for the horses that grazed there. A few farms are left, but most have succumbed to developers. Home to many estates. Here you’ll find one very large development, with three sections: Providence Downs, Providence Downs South and The Residences of Providence Downs South. Each street within the development is named after a Derby winner or a horse of note. Home prices range from $500, 000 to $3.5 Million (July 2009). The school set up is Marvin Elementary, Middle and High School. The community offers a clubhouse, pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, a putting green, fitness center, and walking trails. Many of these homes have their own pool…and a little of everything else! Very grand, indeed.

Another development close to the South Charlotte border is Toll Brothers’ Marvin Creek. Marvin Creek’s idea of a pool area, will leave you scratching your head. It is every child’s dream pool! Noted for its incredible amenities, Marvin Creek’s residents enjoy a 6,500 square foot clubhouse with a beach pool, lazy river, geyser park, tennis and multipurpose courts. The entrance to the community is equally impressive with a spray of fountains and guardhouse. Homes in this neighborhood typically range in price from $600,000-$900,000; with 4,000-6,000 heated square feet-give or take a few!

Longview Country Club is also tucked in right across the border. Rated #11 in NC by Golf Digest, this gated community opened in 2003. A Jack Nichlaus Signature course, sporting a 28,000 square foot clubhouse with multiple lounges, dining areas and terraces. Stunning. The 10,000 square foot activity center’s lower level is complete with massage and steam rooms, state of the art work out equipment, and fitness classes. If you need a place for the kids, there is a Youth Lodge upstairs. The pool facilities offer both adult and family resort-style pools, with a wading area and a hot tub. There are also four Har-Tu tennis courts. This is just one of a very few gated communities in the Charlotte real estate market. Prices range from $900,000 to $3.5 million.

The draw for all of these neighborhoods, is the convenient location to South Charlotte. Within a five mile range, you can be at one of many fine establishments. Every type of restaurant, boutique, national, local and chain store imaginable…all set amongst fountains, and nightly music, theatres, plenty of plenty! It is also very easy on the eye. Each shopping area has been beautifully developed with the use of pedestian friendly venues. Going from shop to shop is no hardship here. The use of landscaping has softened the retail shoppes and the roadways. It’s all very, very nice.

Some of our MOST popular neighborhoods on this ‘just over the border’ area of South Charlotte, would be the communities of Hunter Oaks and Somerset. They were the hottest neighborhoods going, when the roads opened up into Union County. They have continued to be top sellers in the Charlotte real estate market today. Both offer wonderful swim clubs, tennis courts and playgrounds. Buffed up by huge Oak and Magnolia trees, sidewalks a plenty and street lamps. The price ranges in here from $300,000 to $500, 000. The square footage range is between 2200 and 4500. The schools are yet another draw, with Rea View Elementary, Marvin Ridge Middle and High School.

So, there you have it! If you are shopping for Charlotte NC real estate, don’t overlook it’s bordering counties!

Claiming to be one of the best in the cortisol blocking field, Carboburn certainly has a lot to live up to. Carboburn is actually a carbohydrate neutralizer as well as a great fat burner. This product’s claim certainly has gotten the attention of all those who are looking for the best way to lose fat. With the hundreds of cortisol blocking products out there, it is easy to overlook other products that might actually work. Carboburn promises to be the “world’s best” carbohydrate neutralizer and essentially it is made up of ingredients that work as turbo-charged fat burners in your body. How true are these assertions? I leave that for you to decide.

Here are some of the main ingredients you can find in Carboburn.

1. Guarana Seed Extract

This is an all too familiar product when it comes to diet supplements. It is taken from the Guarana Brazilian plant. Almost all of the fat burners available in the market contain this particular element in one form or another since it helps burn fats and treat bowel disorders.

2. Magnolia Bark Extract

This extract is of course derived from the Magnolia tree and used in plenty of other cultures as a main reliever of asthma. It is worth noting, however, that so far no scientific study has been conducted and has proven that this particular extract can help neutralize carbohydrates and facilitate weight loss.

3. Citrus Aurantium Extract

This is one of the newly hyped up formulas promoted by most weight-loss products today. It is unpatented and can be found as an ingredient in most diet supplements that are for sale in the market today.

Carboburn pretty much contains the same components as most cortisol blocking products. Its claim to be the best in neutralizing carbohydrates is still hanging in the air. There are few testimonials concerning the effectiveness of it when it comes to fat burning, however, it is worthy to note that it certainly has most of the elements needed to do so.

A pinnacle ranking is best planted for coil promising in the drop when dormant, however, container zenith grass can be planted any spell, but preferably plummet and coldness is best. Gardeners can buy the ensign of acme leaves: red, ashen, blonde, peach, pink, covetable, purple, unhappy, and apricot. You can buy a peak ranking that can develop during any time: reduction acme, iciness acme, and give pinnacle when most plants flourish, and then, summer zenith. The erode is a determining part in hierarchy zenith; some grass compel scary, yet other peak grass command hot, damp temperatures. The zenith dogwood ranking, Cornus florida, blooms in Florida in March, but it can flower in Tennessee in April, mostly because of the temperature differences. A pinnacle apricot hierarchy, Prunus mume, can blush in Georgia in January, but in Illinois, the acme is delayed awaiting April or May, depending on the large temperature difference. Flowering crimson foliage flowered in red, pink, and pallid flag, and some varieties bruise over a stage of one to two months.

Flowering magnolia plants of the Japanese cultivar, Magnolia stellata, and Magnolia x soulangiana can bruise in coldness, with flag of red, fair, pink, and purple, yet the Southern zenith magnolia tree, Magnolia grandiflora, blooms during the summer with large, ashen, scented flora. The Sweetbay zenith magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, blooms in summer and descend. Magnolia acme foliage can tinge any month of the year, some evergreen, some deciduous.

Flowering crape myrtle (crepe myrtle) leaves have been hybridized to flower in spectacular ensign of red, pink, colorless, blue, and purple during the summer and reduction. Some crape myrtle pinnacle leaves will rebloom and others flower over a cycle of 90 years.

Flowering crabapple foliage grow mostly in the mechanism in flower colors of pasty, red, peach, windfall, and apricot. Not only are the large blooms fragrant on the zenith crabapple tree, but covetable red fruit grows for plants during the fall. The fruit of the peak crabapple tree can be made into crabapple jam or crabapple jelly.

Flowering crimson leaves are native (Prunus caroliniana) to the U.S., and the gorgeous Japanese Kwanzan and Yoshino, flowering cherry, cross plants flower in Washington, D.C. During the Spring as an exciting American National Treasure. Civic pageants are held to celebrate Spring festivals at the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, D.C. at Macon, Ga. and other cities and are scheduled to start with the blossoming of the Japanese, flowering cherry tree. Grafted flowering, crabapple foliage grow with quite red, ashen or pink flora very early in the Spring. Flowering dogwood trees flourish to state the arrival of spring in colors of red, ashen or pink. Flowering plum trees are fragrant and white in native or grafted forms, urban as Japanese fusion cultivars.

Flowering pear trees are fully sheltered with white, one-crawl flowers as grafted hybrids urbanized by scientists to grow in Northern and Southern gardens. Fall and Winter flowering trees, such as camellia, cassia and apricot, blush in seasons where tint and bouquet are atypical. Flowering peach trees are untaken to buy in colors of red, white, pink and peppermint.

William Bartram, the famous botanist and explorer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was commissioned by the English aristocrats to collect, identify and record the plant and animal life growing in the English colonies. The English colonies were acquired from Spain, after the Spanish settlements were conquered and abandoned to the English. John Bartram, the father of William Bartram, accompanied his son on several early, exploratory missions, and his father helped to secure a financial sponsorship of William Bartram on his interesting but dangerous exploits into the land of the Indians, alligators, snakes and bears. Bartram lived in the wild during much of the time in American jungles living congenially among the Indians, and even in the homes of settlers who found him a fascinating guest. The English settlers generously opened their doors of hospitality to him===wining and dining him and treating him locally and physically with herbs and medicinal remedies, when on several occasions, he became deathly sick or injured. Bartram discovered many American native, unknown birds and exotic native plants that he identified for the first time in his writings. William Bartram referred to “the pompous palms of Florida: in his book, Travels, page X. Bartram wrote “The pompous palms of Florida, and the glorious Magnolia, strikes us with the sense of dignity and magnificence.”

William Bartram in his book, Travels, page 59, states that he left St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, and vividly described on his leaving, “many curious vegetable productions, particularly, Corypha Palma”, or “great Cabbage palm,. Corphya pumila, Corypha repens……spinosis (dwarf saw palmetto,) Corypha obliqua, caudice arboreo adscendente”, the last identification being a mystery and unknown even today. Bartram used three terms to identify the Sabal Palm; (Sabal palmetto); the “great cabbage palm” ‘Corypha Palma”, and “Corypha pumila”. Bartram identified the “Corypha repens”, which is a saw palmetto, Serenoa serrulata, and “spinosis (Dwarf Saw Palmetto),” today called, Sabal minor, which is also a synonym for “Corypha obliqua”. The Sabal palm tree is the adopted, State Tree in Florida and South Carolina.

From the furtherest Southern point of St. Simon’s, William Bartram, reported seeing a distant house and a farm and he reported that “This delightful habitation was situated in the midst of a spacious grove of live oaks and palms, near the strand of the bay”. Travels, page 58.

At Bartram’s journey to Cuscowilla in North Florida, he wrote, Travels, page 113,…”The palm trees here seem to be of a different species from the cabbage tree, their straight trunks are sixty, eighty or ninety feet high with a beautiful taper, of a bright ash colour, until within six or seven feet of the top, where it is a fine green colour, crowned with an orb of rich green plumed leaves: I have measured the stem of these plumes fifteen feet in length, besides the plume, which is nearly of the same length.

William Bartram discovered the evolutionary, primitive Zamia palm, today called, Zamia pumila growing near Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 1773, reporting that it “grows in the open pine forests in tufts or clumps, a large conical strobile disclosing its large coral red fruit, which appears singularly beautiful amidst the deep green fern-like pinnated leaves.” Travels, page, 160.

William Bartram identified the Spanish Bayonet, Yucca aloifolia, as a “Palmetto royal….a very singular and beautiful production. It may be termed a tree, from its durability and magnitude.” Travels, page, 69.

If living in a peaceful and beautiful environment seems to be impossible for many, the people in Austin Texas could definitely prove them wrong. Thousands of lush native trees and colorful wildflowers could be found in the heart of the city of Austin Texas. The good news here is that species of walnuts and oaks are native to Texas, making the region a haven for hobbyist and professional carpenters and woodworkers.

Walnuts and oaks

Most plants and flowers that are seen in Texas even before the Europeans came are said to be native. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database, there are three (3) trees that are truly native in Texas and these three (3)come from a nut family. The pecan, black walnut and hickory are the native Texas trees that live and thrive in different parts of Texas.

Aside from these three nut trees, Texas also grows oak trees, elm trees and pine trees. With a black walnut, oak and elms on the list, an experienced woodworker can begin a furniture project for his own home, anytime.

Other types of trees

The soil and climate in Texas makes it a great place to grow wildflowers, trees and other types of plants. This is the reason why even non-native Texas trees grow in different parts of the region. To date, there are hundreds of different tree species that live and thrive in Texas. Magnolia grandiflora, Juniperus deppeana and Liquidambar styraciflua are just a few of the many native trees species that are found in Texas.

Trees in your own backyard

It is easy to grow pine trees or even the hardwood type of trees in one’s own backyard, especially the native trees that loves the climate and the Texan soil. With proper care and gardening, even the most ordinary looking yard can be transformed into a beautiful garden.

Though caring for native trees seem to be a very complex thing to do because of its size and age, planting native trees in one’s community or by at least providing tender loving care for the native trees that have already been planted in the area could be a homeowner’s primary share in creating a healthier and greener neighborhood.

Healthy living; live longer

The native trees, perennial wildflowers and lush bushes and plants make the air in Austin, Texas clean and fresh. Not many cities nowadays can still boast of a clean air. For a city dweller who hasn’t spent a night in Austin, now is the right time to get the taste of fresh air and experience picking flowers and climbing trees. Healthy living is indeed a guarantee in Austin, Texas. Although the climate and the soil contribute greatly to the lush vegetation in the region, it is the people of Texas who maintain its greenery.

Then, till now, most of the old trees in Austin are still standing. With a healthy and green environment, people of Texas, like their trees, live long.

The State of Virginia has adapted the dogwood flowering tree as its State tree, and many cities in America have named themselves ‘The Dogwood City.’ Atlanta, Georgia holds a spring festival every April to coincide with the flowering of the of the dogwood trees in Atlanta, Georgia. The Dogwood Festival has continued for 70 years, successfully attracting visitors for events such as outdoor musical extravaganzas in Piedmont Park and the attraction of many artists to display and sell to those visitors who wish to buy pottery, sculpture, oil paintings, and photographs.

Flowering dogwood trees, Cornus florida, were discovered in the South by William Bartram in 1773; these trees were beautifully described in his exploratory book, Travels (page 399). Near Mobile, Alabama. Bartram encountered a grove of dogwood trees that aggressively covered an area 9 miles long. The dogwood trees were growing so thick that sunlight was practically excluded, and almost all other plant life was excluded except for an occasional white flowering Magnolia grandiflora. The land on which the white flowering dogwood tree grew was level soil that was loose with a humid black organic mould on the surface with dogwood roots growing into a stiff yellowish clay. The limbs of the flowering dogwood trees were interlocking and spread horizontally at a tree height of 12 feet. The vast interlocking limbs of the dogwood trees covered the entire area as a shade tree that cooled the camping area used by William Bartram. After exploring for another seventy miles, Bartram wrote “spacious groves of this fine flowering tree, which must, in the spring season, when covered with blossoms, present a most pleasing scene; when at the same time a variety of other sweet shrubs display their beauty.

The white flowering dogwood is a native tree to the forests of America and has been exported worldwide as a seedling dogwood and as a grafted white dogwood also flowering in pink and red. The pink flowering dogwood is available to buy as a seed grown tree, but the most desirable, stable, predictable pink dogwood trees are nursery grafted trees. Red flowering dogwood trees are not available as seedling trees, but as grafted cultivars, such as the Cherokee Chief, red flowering dogwood tree.

The dogwood tree, Cornus florida, is very adaptable in America, ranging from Massachusetts to Florida, and the tree is generally grown as an understory tree 12-15 feet tall, although some old specimens of 40 feet tall are recorded. The flowering dogwood tree is perfect for planting and growing in a small garden or in large parks and as big landscape specimen trees. Dogwood has the unusual quality of growing well when planted beneath pine trees, where only a few other shrubs such as redbud trees, azalea plants, and camellia shrubs can compete successfully, because of the dense root pine tree competition near the surface of the ground.

The flowering of dogwood trees begins in early spring and the flowering lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Oval berries of bright red are formed following the blooms and persist on the trees into fall and winter after leaves are shed, and until they are eaten by wildlife and birds. In the fall the dogwood trees are covered in brilliant red leaves that change to purple. The fallen dogwood leaves are very fragile and usually easily deteriorate without raking. Flowering dogwood trees will grow well underneath oak tree shade as well as under pine trees, but the dogwood tree remarkably will grow well in full sun. Dogwood trees are well adapted to stress and are very tolerant of dry weather. Dogwood trees are tolerant of cold weather, and thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Every landscape gardener appreciates the spring blooms of the white flowering dogwood trees as a background companion tree for flowering redbud trees or in a combination of flowering azalea shrubs in colors of red, pink, purple, or white.

Dogwood trees can be propagated by growing from the seed or by rooting the cutting, but the best dogwood cultivars are grown from grafted trees. The Cloud Nine, flowering, white dogwood tree produces very large (hand-size) blooms, especially in the juvenile stage. The Weaver’s Select, white, flowering dogwood tree is grafted and can produce a flower 6 inches wide.

The dogwood tree has been rumored to have been the wood from which the crucifixion cross of Jesus Christ was made in the year 33 AD. This rumor is ridiculous in several respects: first, there is not Biblical record of dogwood trees in the Scriptures of the Old Testament Bible or the New Testament. Most plant references in the Bible are very vague except for a few references to the date palm tree, olive tree, pomegranate trees, fig tree, and grape vines. The identity of those plants and trees is obvious, because of their fruits that are produced, but accurate plant identity could not be done easily until Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish physician, suggested rules on naming plants in the early 1700’s.

There are many species of dogwood trees and shrubs, but it is unlikely that any of the Mideastern species of dogwood trees grew trunks large enough to shape into a crucifixion cross. The wood of the dogwood tree is so hard and dense that nails driven into the wood would split the wood. That tree definitely could not have been the North American dogwood tree, Cornus florida, since that tree did not grow in Israel at the time of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the reason for the rumor is that the dogwood tree was the wood of the crucifixion cross is the fact that the four white bracts (flower) are shaped like a cross. This resemblance of a white cross-shaped flower occurs in innumerable species of flowers of trees and, of course, should not be given any weight of evidence of the dogwood tree wood being the substance of crucifixions by the Jewish High Priest and the Roman rulers.