I
usually run with a theme. Today is National Tree Day in Australia - and coincidentally I had already planned to post about trees. Warm Trees to be precise. Our National Arboretum runs this exhibition each year, and each year we visit. And smile. This year the exhibition is partnered with
the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore and the theme is based on the national orchid of Singapore, the merlion,
and butterflies.
I
love our arboretum, and it is yet another place we don't visit often
enough. Please, settle down with a beverage of your choice. As is
usual LOTS of photos follow. I should add that the tree's woollies will get two lives. When the exhibition finishes they will be washed, unravelled and turned into warm rugs for people in need in my city. Our winter is definitely not yet over and I am sure they will be appreciated.
Some of the trees in the bonsai exhibition were also rugged up. Bonsai worries me. I am aware of the work which goes into creating/maintaining them but it always makes me think of foot binding.
Even in winter, when many of the deciduous trees are bare branches filigreed against the sky there is a lot to enjoy at the arboretum - and the views are spectacular.
Last night I went back to the arboretum for an evening which was well out of my comfort zone (and past my bedtime) of glitz and glamour. Photos may follow in the fullness of time.
you live in the best art city, so jealous, love the sun shades with the leaves
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: There are other decorative sun shades too - one with insects and another with gardening tools. I am so very grateful to live in a city which promotes art.
DeleteInteresting.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Yarn bombing at its best?
DeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful place. And those Warm Trees! They're adorable. Are they really washed anbd then unravelled - what a work, but I'm happy they are not just thrown away. I mugth say that some of them seems to be able to work as scarves for humans without further work ;)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely think you should go on blogging even when you can't comment. Although I'm missing your comments, I'd miss you even more if you did not blog either! Hope Blogger soon amend its ways.
... and at my place those small edting hammer-and-saw icons have suddenly up and left. I can live with that, but I hope this disease does not spread.
DeleteCharlotte(MotherOwl): Some of them would be fine as short scarves wouldn't they? The knitting is done by volunteers ('friends of the arboretum') and in early years attracted criticism because people were being neglected. For the last few years they have washed, unravelled and reknitted. I applaud them.
DeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): You are right. Those icons are gone here too. Sigh.
Deletehammer and saw icons? I don't think I've ever seen them.
DeleteRiver: That icon used to appear on my side bar and allowed me to edit features without having to go to the dashboard and layout.
DeleteLooks like your glitch is gone--- Mine is still with me. Oh well.. You do live in a nice place!! Take care of yourselves!
ReplyDeleteBill: The glitch is still here - and the blogger support team is NOT responding. I hope it is fixed soon. You take care of yourselves too.
DeleteHi Sue: Great coverage, literally on the trees, and via your post. We have a great arboretum at the University of Guelph, a mere half hour from here, yet we seldom visit. Will have to rectify that soon. Hope you blogger issues get resolved. Seems to be one thing after another.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Our arboretum is a baby still and I will be long gone before it is at its best. At intervals the idea of ecoburials in the arboretum is raised - and I would happily sign up for that. I hope the blogger issues get sorted too. Sadly they seem to be growing.
DeleteMiriam and I have purchased a plot in the green burial section of our local cemetery and that is the way it will be for us.
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Green burials are still in the planning stages here. I really, really hope that my city lifts its game. At the moment a green burial cannot be conducted here, and those who want one will have to be transported many miles (the antithesis of green).
DeleteWhat beautiful trees and spaces! I could fall in love with your city. Be well.
ReplyDeletee: It was a beautiful idea and is growing (literally) more and more beautiful every year. My city gets a heap of criticism but I think there is a lot of positive things which could and should be said about it. I hope you and Lukas are doing well.
DeleteIt's time to wrap trees again? Where did the year go? Fun idea.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Definitely time to wrap trees (and people) again.
DeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Definitely time to wrap trees - and people again.
DeleteI especially love that these will be turned into blankets to warm people when the exhibition is over.
ReplyDeletemolly: That is a lovely addition to the exhibition isn't it?
DeleteAlways look forward to your rugged up tree pics! It seems like such a unique thing to me. I wish it was practiced around my area.
ReplyDeleteAh, the glitz and glamour... I'm glad you survived it. :)
Hugs to you and scritches for the fur child.
River Fairchild: It is heap of fun isn't it? Having discovered it some years ago we make a practice of going each year. And are not disappointed. Glitz and glamour don't sit comfortably with me. And thanks for the hugs and the scritches.
DeleteGood morning, EC...thank you for your many colourful photos...you take me with you on your interesting, fun jaunts.
ReplyDeleteTake good care...have a good week ahead...cuddles to Jazz. I hope he is doing well...and I hope you are, too. :)
Lee: Thank you. Jazz is not at his best today, but will hopefully pick up again. I hope your and the furry overlords have a wonderful week.
DeleteI love your tree scarf posts each winter. Some of them are so beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Some of them are truly lovely aren't they? I really liked the addition of the butterflies and the leaves this year.
DeleteOne of my favourite posts ever! So much fabric/textile art and I do adore the mistakes, etc., in the knitted pieces. That's what it's all about. Nothing we can create can be perfect apart from nature. I'm always proud of a mistake I make unconsciously in my knitting art. A reminder of humility.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: How I wish you could have been here with me. Almost all of the arboretum is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly. Perfection? I don't believe there is such a thing.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of a wonderful event. Also great to know the wool will live on in the form of blankets. Beautiful and useful!
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I believe that the original idea behind the exhibition was to encourage people to visit the arboretum at a traditionally quiet time of year. They achieved their aim with us at least.
DeleteSuch a great post - the knitted items are lovely, and will no doubt bring some much-needed warmth to the lucky recipients! I definitely agree with you about bonsai, and would never want to own one.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful day here, so we're off to the beach. Have a peaceful and enjoyable week, EC.
Alexia: Enjoy your time at the beach. It isn't cold here, but it is definitely grey. I really, really hope that the recipients do love the second incarnation of the knitting marvels.
DeleteOne of my blogger follower also has issue with the reading list and doesn't get notified when her followers are posting which is most annoying so you are not alone.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you about the Bonsai trees. Foot binding for the trees for sure.
How wonderful that the scarves are unravelled and made into rigs for the needy. Some are works of art.
I can't believe that tomorrow (for us )m is August.Where has the time gone?
Wishing you a wonderful week. Hugs, Julia
Julia: I know that I am not alone, but haven't seen any sign that blogger is addressing the issues. I hope they are.
DeleteIt is August here, and yes - where have the days/months gone.
I don't like it when the rugs around tree trunks are left to rot. I this case they won't be and well repurposed.
ReplyDeleteThe metal discs remind of something similar but larger in Singapore.
Bonsai and feet binding is a good analogy.
Andrew: I hadn't seen sunshades like those before - and would love to see more.
DeleteI am pretty certain that the arboretum would never simply allow the knitting to rot in situ, and am glad that they are being put to positive use.
I love seeing the trees dressed for winter, that bright blue and orange photo reminds me of a very long scarf I once knitted using entire balls of wool in seven different colours. I'd planned on making several then sewing them together as a bed cover, but only made the one and I have no idea what happened to it. I understand about the bonsai, but bonsai trees do sometimes happen naturally, when a seed germinates in a tiny space with nowhere for roots to fully develop the tree is naturally stunted, surviving only on rainwater I'd guess.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I know that bonsai can happen naturally and don't have a problem with that. It is the deliberate stunting, twisting, maiming that does my head in.
DeleteI think the scarves are getting more intricate and beautiful every year. It's lovely to hear they will be turned into something useful for people, too.
ReplyDeletePlease keep posting even if/when you can't comment. It's all communication, no matter what form it takes. I hope you hear from Blogger help soon.
I see by one of your replies that Jazz is not feeling well again. Of course, it IS the weekend ... I hope he perks up faster this time.
jenny_o: Of course Jazz is not well on a weekend. It is a rule. Fingers crossed. And thank you. I do feel a bit guilty about not visiting people, but am at least following people home from comments left here.
Deletewow, that is a lot of effort to put a sweater on so many trees. We are in the midst of a hot, wet summer so the undergrowth beneath the trees is incredible.
ReplyDeleteBonsai are amazing to say the least.
Ann Bennett: We have had a very damp winter and the green and the growth are unusual - and very, very welcome. I have no idea how many volunteers are involved in warming the trees - but applaud them.
DeleteI love your arboretum! I hope your reading list is fixed soon. I would sorely miss mine.
ReplyDeleteHow is all the recycled yarn made into rugs.
Joanne Noragon: We love the arboretum too. I do miss my reading list. Badly.
DeleteI assume that the volunteers who wash and unravel the tree rugs will knit them up again for people. No small job.
Thank you for the warm trees and exciting views.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here.
messymimi: Thank you. I will follow you home to your blog a little later when I hope that your Sunday Selections is in place.
DeleteI always enjoy seeing the exhibits you get to see. With your lovely photo I get to visit through your eyes!
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: How I wish that I could share the things I see with so many other bloggers. You included.
DeleteLove the tree banding. One even has the Ukrainian flag. Now lets see if the comment will post.
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: It posted beautifully. Thank you.
DeleteLovely photos and I don't know why those things are put on the trees apart from decoration.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Decoration - and fun.
DeleteThe dressed trees look so funny I have seen them in Ireland for the first time. https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/08/sunday-selection.html
ReplyDeleteGattina: I really like the trees in their winter woollies. I am heading over to see your Sunday Selections now.
DeleteDid the local HOA approve all those tree wraps?
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of blogger, I've lost my wrench on my blog list that lets me edit the list. It's been gone for more than a few days.
Mike: A few of us have lost that wrench. And how I wish I had my reading list back again. HOA? Very, very rare here - and the warm trees are none of their business.
DeleteThis was like a party! How fascinating that Singapore participated. You are in a really interesting and important part of the world. Blogger seems to have been doing tricks lately. I hope they're going to get it all sorted out. They always do. Have a lovely week yourself dear
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I hope that blogger sorts themselves out soon. I have missed visiting people so much. And thank you.
DeleteBeautiful. I must re-teach myself to crochet!
ReplyDeleteCindi: Crochet is yet another skill I failed to master. Ever.
Deletewonderful.. keep it up.. will at least another month before we can travel out of Sydney.. hopefully one day I will get to visit those trees..
ReplyDeleteAnna: Thank you. I do hope that your lockdown IS lifted at the end of the month. It must be so very hard for so many people.
DeleteHi EC - it must be brilliant to walk amongst the trees that are cared for and I love the creative ideas ... such fun. That quote about the trees is just perfect ... thank you ... have a peaceful week ahead. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: The arboretum is a wonderful place, and new forests are being added all the time. We hope to go back in Spring to revel in the green of new growth. I really liked that tree quote too. I hope your week is healthy, happy and fun.
DeleteHow beautiful is that tree party. Thanks for sharing. Blogger hasn't [yet] lost my reading list but I had several challenges in today's post. Let's do hope they resolve the issues soon. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteJo: Blogger seems to be having a few problems at the moment - and is not communicating what (if anything) they are doing to address the issues. And thank you.
DeleteMy comment arrived above as UNKOWN. Sorry I am not anonymous and can't imagine why it's posted like that. Jo www.memorablemeanders.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteJo: You have fixed that problem successfully. Well done.
DeleteI fixed the problem or my name. But my email username is incorrect ever since my granddaughter used my laptop to sign into her email account. Any suggestions how to correct ? Jo
ReplyDeleteJo: I think you can fix that by going to your dashboard and clicking on settings. There is an email option there which 'might' allow you to fix the problem.
DeleteMy goodness to just imagine the time it takes to create these, and then to place them around the trees. So phenomenal and thoughtful. As always, you show me things that I can never imagine seeing, and I'm so appreciative. Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I think that they have a small army of volunteer knitters but agree, it would take a lot of time and effort. I really appreciate both. And thank you - hugs to you too.
DeleteI’m always so grateful for your photography. I travel to such phenomenal places through your lens.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the trees and the variety of rugs.
Have a great week.
Myrna R.: Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful week too.
DeleteThe tree exhibit is such fun and it’s wonderful that the yarn is repurposed for such a worthy cause. Looking forward to more photos. Hope you have a wonderful and safe week my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I think that Warm Trees is a brilliant way to entice people to the arboretum in winter and I am very glad to add to their visitor numbers. You have a wonderful week too please.
DeleteHopefully whatever problem you're having with making comments will fix itself somehow.
ReplyDeleteI love Bonsai trees but have never had one.
Mary Kirkland: My problem is seeing which of the many blogs I follow has posted. If I can find a post I can comment - with only the usual blogger issues. I do hope it can be resolved.
Delete'I am aware of the work which goes into creating/maintaining them [bonsais] but it always makes me think of foot binding.'
ReplyDeleteI admire your way of thinking, Sue.
Sean Jeating: Thank you. Not everyone does.
DeleteSplendid post and happy tree day over there, i do enjoy walking under trees during my free times regards!.
ReplyDeleteSteve: Thank you. I am a tree hugger from way back.
Delete😊
DeleteI always enjoy seeing your tree cozies, every winter they bring me delight! I love seeing you in my news feed and fully expect to see you every Sunday. Glad that hasn't changed. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you so much. I wish I could currently access your posts and will use this comment to follow you home.
DeleteThe trees must be very happy because they are warm and stylish. Have you asked the Blogger community to help with the reading list problem? Someone very kindly assisted me when my blog wasn't updating. You certainly should not feel guilty, though, about posting. We know you will return to being a faithful reader and commenter when you can.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: The trees do look cosy don't they? I have asked the Blogger Community. I have learned that others are also having the same problem - but we haven't had a response yet.
DeleteAgain, you educate me with your photos and writing about what is happening in your community and in your country. I love it. I thought of you today when I walked my dog in a National Park near me. I saw about ten large beautiful butterflies gathered on something on the ground. I didn't have a camera with me and thought, EC would have a photo of this to post on her blog. With Google taking over Blogger, I am afraid we might have more and more problems as they "update" and "Improve" something that has worked fine for me since 2007. Thanks for visiting my blogs.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: I wonder what attracted the butterflies? You are right IF I had seen them and IF I had my camera with me I would certainly have posted them. I do hope this problem (and others) can be resolved.
DeleteJust a quick visit EC. Haven’t read the other comments but I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees bonsai as almost ‘torture’. Stunting growth doesn’t go down well with me.
ReplyDeleteSome yarn bombing looks horrendous- these are quirky and fun to see :)
Cathy: I don't think there is even an almost in bonsai being tree torture (but am glad to have your agreement). Our annual forest of yarn bombing does look good doesn't it?
DeleteOh those trees look so cozy! All the decorations are cute. Thank you for taking us on your walking with you.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: They do look snug don't they? I am glad that you enjoyed the meander through the forests with me.
DeleteLove that "Henry"! And great idea too give it to people later.
ReplyDeleteOh, the knitted leave sure is cute.
You are right, I´ll never be able to look at a bonsai not thinking of the feet of those Japanese women....
Blogger... I have no words...
Iris Flavia: Henry? You have lost me there. It was China rather than Japan, and I believe that some women are still alive today who went through the torture. I do hope that Blogger fixes this problem. Soon.
DeletePues llegué al final, mi estimada amiga, leyendo atento y disfrutando de tan bellas imágenes, y sin necesidad de beber nada, ya que no me importa leer largo y tendido, cuando el contenido es tan interesante.
ReplyDeleteQue disfrutes de una linda y feliz semana.
Manuel: Thank you for your patience - and for finding the post interesting. Have a wonderful week.
DeleteOh how impressive all these decorated trees are! It really makes me wish I could crochet. I have tried, many times, but just can't seem to get the hang of it!🙄 Lol
ReplyDeleteSuch a kind gesture, too, unravelling them later to give to those in need 😊😊
Have a lovely day, dear friend.
Much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: I can neither knit nor crochet either - but love seeing the way that others can make the needles dance. I hope your day (and all of the days to come) is healthy and happy.
DeleteYour comment about foot-binding gave me the shivers EC, I'm now feeling very sorry for those beautiful bonsai trees
ReplyDeleteKim: I am sorry to make you shiver. I know that others love bonsai. I cannot.
DeleteAwesome post
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteI always smile when I see the wrapped tree trunks you feature. Such a good idea to reuse the wool for those in need.
ReplyDeleteI always love the naked trees against the sky. True art.
Marie Smith: Nature is the very best of artists isn't she, but I smile to see these adornments too.
DeleteOh, I just cannot believe your traditions in Australia, as I have never witnessed wrapping tree trunks with woolies before in my life. Certainly not here in Hawaii. LOL. Hey, whatever makes you happy!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I don't think this is just an Australian tradition, but it is certainly one that my city has happily adopted. And one which certainly makes me smile.
DeleteI read they wrap trees in San Francisco as part of some type of celebration. It is throughout the city, not at their arboretum.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I read about foot binding. Such a sad and sadistic thing to do to women in certain parts of Asia. I don't remember how I learned about it, but went on to research the problem and I agree that the bonsais do seem to feel that way now you mentioned it.
I think these wooly trees are wonderful. Some knitters and crocheters put a LOT of work into these. How nice they will be repurposed later.
Sorry I'm so late visiting this week. I hope you get your blogger glitch fixed soon, dear. It's frustrating, I'm sure. I've read others are having the same problem, but I don't use whatever system you are using, so I can't help or even give advice.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: You are always welcome whenever you find the time to drop by. I really like our warm trees exhibition, and am glad that we have imported it - from somewhere. The glitch remains, and the blogger community is very quiet about solutions. Sigh.
DeleteQuiet about solutions, maybe, but not silent about complaints, as well they should.
DeleteBleubeard and Elizabeth: While they didn't respond to my complaints/questions this morning the glitch was miraculously fixed. I have a LOT of catching up to do.
DeleteHow do people get to be so creative? I would never have thought of wrapping tress with woolen scarves in winter, never in my life time! So unusual yet colourful. I would have walked from tree to tree admiring the cool clolurs. And then to donate to people who will really appreciate these warm scarves I do like bonsai and had a few, but i repotted them into large pots and they were bonsai no more. No one told me that bonsai can grow into normal plants if the pot gets bigger. Oh well!
ReplyDeletekestrel: It is a wonderful idea isn't it? And we do walk from tree to tree marvelling at the creativity. I am glad that when you freed you bonsai they resumed growing.
DeleteSo cool to see those trees decorated with their pretty scarves, and everything else. All great to see, thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you.
DeleteWow that continually trimmed Desert Ash from 1969 is amazing, something truly incredible. I'm a huge fan of arboretums and visit as many as possible and yours is wonderful too. I visit the one in Huntsville AL every time I visit my daughter, always a delight. I agree with the quote about trees as I have a lot of trees that I consider a friend, not just an acquaintance either. Thanks for the walkabout of trees, such an uplifting post.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: How I wish that Desert Ash had been left to grown naturally. I am also a huge fan of trees, and do consider some of them very, very good friends.
DeleteWrapping tree trunks with woolies is such a lovely idea!
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday, EC.
Veronica Lee: It is isn't it? And the brighten the grey days we have been having.
DeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteI've always worried about the bonsai trees as well - couldn't do it - but that tree is stunning!
Jemi Fraser: I don't think I could manage bonsai on the technical side - or the emotional. Yes, I do know that it requires a lot of work and a lot of skill but...
DeleteGreat idea! Those trees brighten the place.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: They do. And make me smile each and every year.
DeleteThis is the sweetest thing I've seen in a while. I would enjoy walking here despite the cold...and goodness knows, with all my heart, I hate feeling cold.
ReplyDeleteneena maiya (guyana gyal): It is a beautiful place - whatever the season.
DeleteThose toasty trees make me smile! And it's great that the woolies will eventually go to people who will use and appreciate them. It must be tough for someone in need to see such extravagance bestowed on trees that can't feel the cold.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, you attended a gala - I'm so impressed! I can't remember the last time I dressed up for a black-tie affair; and I don't think my wardrobe is up to it anyway. Surely 30-year-old clothing must count as 'retro chic' now, doesn't it? ;-)
Diane Henders: They make us smile too - and I agree with you about repurposing the woollies.
DeleteIt is a very long time since I have been to such an event. Neither I nor my wardrobe were up to it.
I think this is a wonderful expression of love- very cool!
ReplyDeleteColoring Outside the Lines: Isn't it a great exhibition?
DeleteI am amazed by the sheer selection of trees around you! We are not so blessed in my corner of Canada. And I love the woolies! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteDiane Stringham Tolley: I am endlessly grateful for the vision of a Chief Minister who insisted on building the arboretum. I suspect that your trees would have a greater need of woolies than ours do.
DeleteWhat a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
I think the dressed trees look great :)
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member~Jan: Thank you. I like the rugged up trees too.
DeleteWait, is National Tree Day the old Wattle Day? I usually remember that but I completely forgot this year.
ReplyDeleteLOvely photos as usual, I'm liking the sculpture with the cut-outs.
I'm so late it's barely worth saying have a good week :)
kylie: Wattle Day is yet to come - it falls on the 1st of September. Our wattle is trying to come out and will hopefully be in full glorious golden bloom by then - a day which I would happily celebrate as Australia Day.
DeleteYour good wishes are ALWAYS welcome. I hope your week was and will be good.
Isn't that lovely??? What a brilliant idea. I loved seeing all of the photos! :)
ReplyDeleteRain: I am glad you enjoyed it too. Like you, I think it is lovely. It has become an annual treat.
DeleteI haven't seen any yarn-bombing for a while - at one time all kinds of things were acquiring woolly scarves overnight. Glad to hear that the wool eventually gets put to a good use.
ReplyDeleteJohn "By Stargoose And Hanglands": This is the only yarn bombing I have seen in my city. Like you, I am glad that the wool goes to those in need.
DeleteI really love this EC! Makes me so happy! I never thought of the bonsai trees as foot binding! That is very interesting EC! You're actually right. It's binding the tree!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: I do think of bonsai as tree torture. It takes patience and skill, and I wish it was never done.
DeleteI am so happy the wool goes to those in need!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: So am I. Very glad.
Delete