March 08, 2013

Baby Birch.

Those of you who have been reading my writing for a while know that I am a nature lover. Most of all, I love trees - birch trees in particularly. There is something almost elf like in their shape and the texture of their alabaster bark.

I have had a special relationship with birch trees in Denmark, it seems.
The westerly panoramas of my white house on the hill were lined by a row of them. Additionally, there was a stunning tree that adorned my easterly view. I was so fascinated by it, that I documented its changes over a course of four seasons. Those images are all that remains as a testimony to its existence, as it was cut down by my neighbors shortly before I moved, much to my great shock and disbelief.
When I moved up north, there was an old birch growing in the front yard of our old, rental home. I loved to watch it shift throughout the year from my favorite spot in the kitchen.

Walking around our new property the other day, I was overjoyed when I found a very young, baby birch next to the greenhouse. It has the most beautiful, paper thin, ivory bark I have ever seen and in the shine of the late winter sun it stood out almost illuminated against the azure blue sky. The slim branches carry already buds, which will turn into catkins in about a month, announcing the arrival of spring.

This time around this birch belongs to us. Its fate is in our hands and it is safe. I find it very exhilarating to know that once again I can watch - and document - the seasonal changes of a stunning tree, completely undisturbed, hopefully for years to come.


26 comments:

Anonymous said...

How beautiful. I love seeing silver birches gleaming in the sun.

I'm allergic to them so that I struggle to love them in May, however...

Elizabeth said...

Well that is fantastic Sweety. Now you have your own baby-birch, a little baby of your own. It is also a good omen since you love birch so much! Did you name it already? :)

Have a splendid weekend although it probably will be a cold and stormy one!

Have fun! :)

Rahul Bhatia said...

Fascinating to read about the Birch tree! I saw them in Copenhagen and they look lovely!

Brian Miller said...

smiles...pretty cool that you have your own now...i love their bark and the look of them...and i know this one is in good hands with you...smiles....

Heathers Meadow said...

I too love Birch trees Zuzana. A friend of mine took a beautiful branch from a recently fallen tree and used it as a curtain rod in her living room. It was so natural and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your photos. They are very pretty.

Roger Gauthier said...

That tree that was cut, what a shame. And it happens all the time, I can't believe it.

I am still on a trip, will be back soon!

swenglishexpat said...

Hi Zuzana,
Yes, there is something special about birch trees. Very tactile bark, smooth, white and almost silky. Good to read that your path has led you to such a wonderful place, situation and moment in time.

Myrna R. said...

I see the young birch as a sign of your growing happiness in your new house. May you enjoy it to the fullest. And I'm so glad the tree is safe and loved.

A Lady's Life said...

I am a tree hugger myself and I love birch trees. You should find some mushrooms around them.
Sometimes I think people don't understand trees. But loving them makes all the difference.

Unknown said...

I am a lover of nature and trees also. I always enjoy your posts. you are a fantastic writer.

G said...

How wonderful! That little birch tree is in good hands. Hugs from one tree lover to another. xoxo

Hilary said...

Yet another sign that all is right in your world. :)

Mimi said...

Love Hilary's comment, it's so true.
Delighted for you Zuzana.
And the blue skies are fab too, the perfect backdrop for the lovely silver birch.

sprinkles said...

I remember when you documented that tree growth! I never thought I'd find a tree all that interesting, but it was kind of cool to see the changes over time.

That's one thing you've definitely taught me - that I need to look at the small details. Without those, I miss so much! Still working on it, but I'd like to think I'm doing better.

Betsy Brock said...

I love this...it's like it was waiting there for you to see it! How very fun! They are beautiful trees!

Anonymous said...

It couldn't have "found" a better person to nurture it. :)
And a greenhouse too. You will have so much fun growing your new garden, Zuzana!
Hugs to you & yours,
Zuzu

Sumandebray said...

It was nice to get introduced to the young birch tree. It was nice to come back to your blog after the break

Sumandebray said...

By the way, the story about the lost wedding ring is amazing

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Zuzana,

What a delight to find this beautiful tree in your garden.
I loved seeing the pretty white trunk and branches, against the gorgeous blue sky.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend and getting settled into your new home.
Hugs
Carolyn

Betsy Brock said...

Zuz ~ you need these...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/113058178/25-birch-paper-straws-paper-straws?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=supplies_low&gclid=CMa5lf-T8bUCFQk6nAodVA8Agw

:)

Birdie said...

I have a weeping Birch in my front yard that I named Brianna. But don't tell anyone because it seems giving trees names is not normal. ;-)

Rajesh said...

Wonderful. I am glad you have found it near your new home.

SandyCarlson said...

That is a great story. I love birches, too. They are so punctual with the seasons. And the bark tells stories.

Ines said...

Good Morning, Beauty,

I just heard the song I am titanium. You ve had this as a blogpost last year.

Thank you for stopping by, I answered you in my commentbox.

I hope, you feel good!

We have lots of birch trees here. They are so beautiful, but I think,of the allergies of my children. That s the worst side of those trees.

Enjoy your day.

Hugs, Ines

Anonymous said...

Birch trees are one of my favorites...the bark is beautiful and I love watching the leaves flutter and shimmer in the breeze...we have a lot of them in our area.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy you have a birch at your new house! And a lovely one it is. Will look forward to seeing it change through the seasons.
Sorry I haven't been around much. I went back to work about a month ago after nine months off for health reasons. Hanging in there, but just spent two days in the hospital and had to take a week off already. Going back to work on Monday, and will visit when I can.