Atropos in summer decor
It’s two months to the day since my last ‘tree follower’ post and the weeks of rain can only have benefited the Camperdown elms in the fullness of their summer foliage. Back in May I focused on the solitary ‘Atropos’, which is how I refer to the third of these Umbrella elms (Ulmus Glabra ‘Camperdownii‘) that grow in Old St Pancras’ churchyard. The obvious signs of ageing and neglect are well hidden now under the density of leaves, although the suckering root-stock at base is obviously still evident. 1
Some of the best reasons for documenting a tree throughout the year is to gain knowledge, become virtually personally acquainted and develop powers of observation that the cursory glance misses. That is the theory and this latest photographic record proved the point whilst putting me to shame on the observation skills front. After 6 months it is as though I am seeing the trees for the first time….
(L to R) the three fates of ‘Atropos’ , ‘Clotho’ and her adjacent sister, ‘Lachesis’
Here are the three Camperdown elms displaying their modest stature and archetypical umbrella armature for which they are so loved and renowned…except that ‘Lachesis’ also has an obvious (though not noticed by me until now) towering upright branch. This is probably a genetic throwback developed from scar tissue or a snag.
(L to R) (?)Wych elm tree opposite ‘Clotho’ camperdown elm (centre) and ‘Lachesis’ resorting to a more upright throwback
As I was photographing ‘Clotho’, I looked across and was surprised to see what was obviously another elm of sorts growing on the opposite side of the path (considering all the visits I’ve made here how can I not have noticed before?). Viewed as a trio, it is evident that ‘Lachesis’ is emulating the upright growth of her original rootstock and opposite neighbour, which I believe to be a Wych elm. The rogue branch was growing too high for me to identify by leaf but Camperdown elms are usually grafted on these (Ulmus glabra). 2
Camperdown (top row) compared to (?)wych elm leaves
To the touch, Camperdown elm leaves are sandpapery rough, being deeply veined and textured. The underside is a markedly pale contrast and the large (some as big as my hand) rotund leaves taper into a definite point. By contrast the Wych elm leaves are an understated version and more evidently oval though still with the toothed, lopsided and uneven leaf base that characterises these elms.
dappled light through the camperdown elms tracery
It is wonderful to stand inside the umbrella elms looking up and out through the pendulous herringbone tracery that filters sunlight into sparkles. If I failed to observe fully it is perhaps because these strange trees are so visually seductive. Thanks to Lucy and the Tree Followers meme, I”m starting to see, instead of just casting admiring glances at, the Camperdown elms of Old St Pancras.
Lachesis has a split personality – I think the more aggressive persona is becoming more dominant
easygardener read my post..Wordless Wednesday – Resting in a bed of Catnip
spot on – towering over the others!
Fascinating! I love the idea of following a tree throughout the growing season. I am definitely emotionally attached to my trees–I felt so sorry for them during the drought!
PlantPostings read my post..Wordless Wednesday: Rain on the Redbud!
I would like to intervene in their care as they are just neglected. Better that though than let contractors treat them with an out of season lop
Loving these tree posts, Laura. As with so much in life we look but don’t see. Too little time, too many distractions, it’s such a pity. For me I love how blogging, whilst on the face of it has been another distraction in my life (as my unkempt garden will testify), has actually made me SEE so much more. Who’d have thought a new technology but actually make me look at the natural world around me with so much more curiosity. Trees are so important but I think in cities they are even more special. Wish our town planners would plant more, like they do on the continent.
wellywoman read my post..Rainbow Food
so true about blogging – and I thought I was observant until now
Lachesis highlights the beauty of the abnormal weeping habit by showing us what she could have become.
b-a-g read my post..Lupins (18 JUL 2012)
Lachesis standing tall and proud to decide where to cut the length of our lives!
Oh Laura – you are introducing me to a whole new aspect of blogging with the Tree Followers. Which I am wisely ignoring for now. But I am saving the notification of your post instead of deleting it, so that I can get back to this towards the end of our winter!
see you in 2013 then Jack, with your chosen tree
We don’t have elms in Finland. Sad…
Sadun blogi read my post..Aurinko paistaa… toistaiseksi. – The Sun is shining … for now..
Laura as I have said before I have always loved elms up until all were killed here due to Dutch elm disease…I remember standing under those amazing branches and looking through them to see the dappled light you captured here….now they have reintroduced a hardier tree that is resistant to the disease…I will be posting soon about the ash borer beetle that will now be destroying all of our ash trees of which I have 7 that tower 80 ft. I will be taking them down in phases before the beetle arrives as suggested and replacing them…my garden will change and I am in deep mourning to lose these trees…maybe I wil plant an elm.
Donna@Gardens Eye View read my post..Perfection
the disease decimated our English elms though Wych elms more resistant and Camperdowns diminuitive height is below the flight path of the bettles so many have been saved. The tales of your ash are disheartening
I love your enthusiasm for trees Laura. So many go through their entire lives and never quite get it. However we must take care when planting trees in our gardens as it makes you feel very bad having to remove a fine specimen when finding it has outgrown its position.
Alistair read my post..Brunnera Jack Frost
Another beautiful tree posting, Laura. I am ready to start blogging again after my break, but thought I would visit a few old friends first. Hope you are well. P. x
Pam’s English Garden read my post..Happy Flag Day! Happy June GBBD!
welcome back to Blogland Pam
I’ve been a tardy poster here too with other things going on and my other blog holding my interest
What a sad place the world would be without trees. Actually that is too awful to imagine.
Bridget read my post..As July progresses…
Thanks for posting the info and images on the elms. I know far too little on these majestic trees. I will have to check out Tree Followers, since I pretty much am one too.
Donna read my post..Garden Photos in Limited Light
- Sadun, our landscape was once renowned for elms
- Alistair, gardens so much smaller since the Camperdown elms were first grown for gardens
- Bridget, they are the backbone of garden and landscape
- indeed Donna, you are a majestic follower of trees