Trees capture the imagination of the most
stone-hearted, and enjoyment of them extends way beyond
a core interest in plants and gardening. They represent
permanence and longevity and have become symbolic of the
health of our planet. People plant trees to mark events
of public and private importance, and parks and
arboretums attract thousands of visitors each year to
witness the annual spectacles of spring and fall - or
simply to enjoy the trees. In this book, Toomer explores
the fascinating subject of collecting trees from a
historical, practical, and philosophical standpoint and
in doing so illuminates the very special relationship
that exists between humans and trees. What inspires so
many of us to become tree collectors? How do we choose
what to collect, and what makes us narrow it down to
witch hazels or magnolias? And he looks at the different
motivations behind tree collections ranging from
aesthetic criteria to collections planted for education
value or for scientific research.For those interested in
planting a handful of trees, for armchair tree
collectors, for those who collect trees on a large scale
- in private and public gardens, cemeteries, urban
landscapes, schools, and, of course, arboretums - this
is a hugely inspiring, well-structured, comprehensive
treatment of the subject that provokes thought and
provides practical advice on everything from budgets and
maintenance to plant selection, labeling, and public
safety. |
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