Crooked Bush

When Lulu and I visited my parents, they had planned a road trip to see the Crooked Bush that grow near Hafford, Sask.  Since I had never seen them, we all went together.

Lulu wasn't very happy since she had to lay an egg and also had to share the back seat with me.  Some of the roads were a bit rough and she didn't like getting jostled about. 

I've heard them referred to as The Crooked Bush or The Crooked Trees.  They are a grove of aspen trees that grow very crooked for some unexplainable reason.  There is a similar grove right across the road that grow straight and normal.

This is the sign at the bush that gives you more questions instead of answers about the trees and why they are crooked.  There was a study at the University of Manitoba that explained that the trees have a genetic mutation but doesn't say why or how it happened.

Each tree is different and unique. Some have major turns in their trunks like the one below.

Several have grown across the boardwalk erected by the Friends of the Crooked Bush to help protect the trees from being disturbed.

Look at the wavy branches on this tree.  Almost like undulating snakes.

This looks like a person standing there with one hand on their hip and the other in their hair.

This one grows horizontal to the ground before making a 90° turn.

It was very peaceful and quiet in the bush.  Almost a feeling of someone holding their breath.

This one looks like a corkscrew.

Some of the trees have died but their stark crooked skeletons add to the mystery of the bush.

It was amazing to see all the twists and turns in the branches.

It would be neat to visit the trees in the fall after the leaves have fallen to really appreciate and view the bush.

These two almost look xrated.

Just look at all the directions this on trunk goes!

If you have a chance to visit the trees, take the time to do so.  They are a wonder to see.  The directions are in the following link.   http://saskatchewan.worldweb.com/WestCentralRegion/Hafford/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/

Moss

Moss

How must it be

to be moss,

that slipcover of rocks?—

imagine,

greening in the dark,

longing for north,

the silence

of birds gone south.

How does moss do it,

all day

in a dank place

and never a cough?—

a wet dust

where light fails,

where the chisel

cut the name.

By Bruce Guernsey

All photos taken at Bridal Falls Provincial Park, BC, Canada

Spring Flowers in White Rock

I have been to White Rock several times this spring to visit my sister-in-law.  This is the first spring she has lived there.  The weather is milder and wetter than we have and as a result they have a huge variety of blossoms. 

Here we see a daffodil.

?

Magnolia Tree 



 Rhododendron

Planter of tulips and pansies.

Gorgeous deep pink/purple tulips.

Mixed bed of orange and two-toned pink tulips.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

Fallen petals looking like pink snow.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

?

? and Rhododendron

All photos taken in White Rock, BC.

Pruning Fruit Trees

There are a variety of reasons to prune trees.  We prune our fruit trees for production and ease of picking.  We moved here three seasons ago and had the trees pruned professionally the first year.  The pruner, Mario talked while he pruned and explained what to do and why.  You want to prune in the winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant before the leaves are out.

This photo shows an apple tree before it is pruned for the season.  You need to cut back the tall branches so it is easier to harvest the fruit.  Most of the new growth grows straight up.

You prune the branches back to a bud facing the direction you want the new branch to grow.  You usually want out-facing buds so the branches grow away from the centre.

Sometimes the centre of the tree has gotten too bare and you prune the branch with a centre-facing bud so the new branch can fill the space.  You do not want the centre too full though, because the fruit needs the sun to ripen.

You also prune away any weak looking branches that won't hold the weight of the fruit or branches that are crossed or rubbing. 

Here is the first tree again after it has been pruned.  Notice how you try to keep the tree at a manageable height so harvest can be achieved as much as possible without a ladder.

Here you can see the buds facing different directions.

Again you can see the tall branches in the back that have not been pruned yet.  You can see the branches that have been left after pruning around strong enough to hold the fruit.

Some of the branches have grown twisted and crooked over the years.  These get pruned out from time to time as new ones get strong enough to take their place.

Here is a row of trees all pruned and waiting for spring.