The Garden Club of the Lakes planted a Louisiana University purple fig tree on the grounds of Faith Presbyterian Church in Melrose to commemorate Florida Arbor Day. After the tree was planted, members shoveled soil around the tree. A poem by Joyce Kilmore was read by Sandy Rodgers.
Trees serve many purposes on this earth. They provide homes for many animals, shade from the sun, fruits and nuts, and erosion control to name a few. Sterling Morton established the first Arbor Day in Nebraska. Florida Arbor Day is the third Friday in January since 1886. National Arbor Day was established in 1870 by President Nixon, with the annual event commemorated on the last Friday of April.
Morton loved trees and planted many trees on his property, which is currently designated as Arbor Day Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska.
“Each generation takes the earth as trustees,” Morton said. “We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed.”
His son, Joy, founded the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, preserving 734 acres of trees by his passing in 1934. Their legacy of tree protection is continued in your own tree planting and care in celebration of Arbor Day.
Florida celebrates Arbor Day in January because many trees are dormant (not actively growing) and lose less water through transpiration (evaporation of water from the leaves) this time of year. This makes it easier to transplant without putting them through too much stress. according to the University of Florida.
Ginny Stibolt, of the Native Plant Society, says, “Before you plant, know what your plant needs for soil type, space for canopy, and room for the roots. Plan ahead for the mature size so pruning can be minimalized. Plant compatible understory trees and shrubs to form a pleasant grove that may mimic what might have grown there before the invasion of the most invasive species — us.”
The Garden Club of the Lakes meets every second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at Faith Presbyterian Church at 2738 State Road 21 in Melrose. Meetings are open to the public. Facial masks are optional at this time.
The presentation for March is “Edible Weeds.” April’s presentation is “Pruning.” In May they will make seed balls and seed tapes.
