Reinventing the Wheel: Love A Tree Day

In light of the "Reinventing the Wheel" project, I have been keeping an eye out for meaningful days of remembrance, celebration, reverence, etc. to consider adding to our newfangled "Wheel of the Year." Today is one of those days I think just might have merit: Love a Tree Day. According to the National Wildlife Federation blog, "Love A Tree Day comes on May 16th, right in the middle of Garden for Wildlife Month..."Garden for Wildlife Month?!? How awesome is that? 

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
blossoms, much loved by bees.

We are always trying to make planting choices for the land here that will support the local wildlife. If we add flowering plants, we try to add plants which will support bee colonies, butterflies or will provide nectar for hummingbirds. We try to keep our eyes toward native species, but when that is not possible, we opt for trees & shrubs which can provide browse, shelter or nesting habitat for various beasties in the neighborhood. This Garden for Wildlife Month & the accompanying Love a Tree Day is right up our alley (or corral, rather). 

So, what shall we do today, this inaugural venture into Loving-Trees-This-Day? I think we'll go feed all our ratty weed trees 'cause they're all we've got. We can even give them a hug for all the colour, shade & aegis from goatsheads (along with crappy seeds, runners & falling limbs) they give us... every one of our mangy, scrubby, Western "Trees to Reconsider." We love them all the same. 

Our largest Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)... too big to hug?