My bosses son, and my co-worker, was killed last night in an auto accident. His family are moving to a new home being built in the area of Cresson and I would like to give them a tree to plant in his memory rather than flowers. (his parents love plants too) Preferably something native and I thought something spring blooming to remind them of him would be nice. And since I don't know what type of soil that area has, something that isn't picky. Any suggestions for me?
Suggestions for Memorial Tree
Paige what about something like Eves Necklace or a Red Bud tree... I know back in the hills of OK Red Buds are often planted in memory.
That's a very kind thought. I love oaks, but most get too large for the average yard. A Mexican plum has pretty white flowers in spring. It also produces fruit which can be enjoyed by humans as well as wildlife. When you choose, may I suggest a long lived tree.
Here are links to lists of recommended plants for North Central Texas:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/northcen.html
http://www.lantanagardens.com/Plants/Trees/treelist.htm
http://dallastrees.blogspot.com/2007/05/recommended-landscape-plant-materials.html
Mitch, Redbud trees are not very long lived
Paige, I forgot to mention Texas persimmons. Unfortunately, the flowers are inconspicuous, but it produces small black persimmons loved by birds. The exfoliating tree trunk is very attractive. The negative size of this tree is that the sexes are on different trees.
A flowering crabapple would give you the spring flowers as well as fruit for birds in winter.
Betty it can be short lived, and it can have bugs but it is still in Native American areas the tree of choice for the color of the blooms and some of the symbols behind the tree. Just part of my "roots" that show through.
Thank you both for those great suggestions! I love the Redbud flowers, but do love the idea of berries also.
What about a Desert Willow?
That was on my list too! I think I've read they are fairly adaptable to different soils too.
That they are and a very stunning tree once everything gets growing right on them.
That is one that I have wanted to get. We have some property North of here, in Montague County that is where I would plant it.
Paige, first of all I am sorry about what happened to that young man, so sad.
I think the tree is a great idea, will this be the main tree on their yard? or are you needing a small understory or flowering tree?
Those two things are important, do you know their yard situation?
Josephine.
Oh Paige, thats terrible! I feel so bad for you ... the only tree come to my mind is a Weeping Willow ... I dont know if they grow around here.
Sorry for the loss for you and the family of the young man. I have had co-workers that passed away and it can be difficult to understand and move on. That is a very nice thing to do instead of plants that die in a few days. The Chaste or Vitex Tree would be my suggestion. I am loving mine, and they grow really fast by the looks of mine. I love the blooms.
I don't have any tree suggestions, but I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Thank you all. It's very sad. He was only 24 and getting married in June.
Josephine, I don't know much about the new home situation, so I don't know about the existing trees. I was thinking that even if they didn't plant the tree in their yard they could plant it some place where they could watch it grow.
I know his mom has a lot of roses now but I don't think she is physically able to care for them as much. I did consider the Vitex also but thought it might not be as long lived as a small tree.
I'd like to find a very small seedling, whatever it is. I don't have a vision of me carrying a huge tree as a gift. lol Maybe I'll just get lucky and someone will have some small volunteer. My parents do have a million redbuds.
Paige, I have a little Mexican Plum, they are beautiful and very much a Texas tree.
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRME
I also have Redbud, and they are potted, so it would be convenient to carry.
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CECA4
Let me know if you want one of these.
Josephine.
Josephine, I think I will take you up on that Mexican Plum! I love their flowers and the peeling bark. I should have known you'd have something and just asked you first! Thank you! I'm so excited to give something that means a lot to me too.
O.K. Paige you got it, when and how can I get it to you?
There's no rush because they are busy now so maybe at my next Sat. at the Wildscape. (speaking of, I forgot to sign in!) We can dmail and get a date. Thank you!
O.K. Paige, I think no one signed in with all the excitement, I will be sure to tell them you and your friend were there.