It's winter in northwest Louisiana, and although it may be rainy and cold, there's an upside. This is the time to plant trees! "But," you may ask, "why should I spend my time planting trees this winter?" Let's enumerate some reasons. Trees provide shade, attract wildlife, produce tasty fruits, prevent erosion, just to name a few. Perhaps most importantly, trees improve our mood. With their form and structure, they can please our aesthetic sensibility. So, the life of a tree can be a very practical contribution, both materially and spiritually. Our tree of the week is a standout specimen in this regard, specifically for its exquisite cast shadow.
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| Our tree of the week grows on the very outskirts of the arboretum, located between Mickle Hall and the Ratcliff Gazebo garden. This area is very pretty this time of year with blooming camellias and roses. Many people choose this spot to enjoy a nice session of "sit and look." In the photo, one can see three large tree trunks. We are interested in the middle trunk. |
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| This post oak (Quercus stellata) is our tree of the week. Information regarding its planting history is unavailable, as this specimen existed long before the founding of the arboretum. Perhaps someone could look at historical photos of the campus and get a better idea. |
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| The shadow is firm and bold in the strong winter sun. What sort of shapes do you see on the wall? This is the southwest corner of Mickle Hall. |
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| These gnarly branches almost appear to have been spray-painted onto the red brick. |
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| Tree shadows are doubly unique. Not only does each tree reveal a reflection of its size and shape, the shadow also changes with the position of the sun. Now a second tree has revealed itself. |
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| Aha! This water oak (Quercus nigra) is the source of the second shadow. The next time you find yourself on a sunny winter day, look for the shadow of a happy tree. You may find it a rewarding treat to ease the mind. |
