Well, I managed to take the photos on the 7th, just didn’t quite manage to put the post together! I am joining in with Lucy’s Tree Following meme, attemtping to do at least one post a month on the hawthorn awkwardly crammed against the fence down the side of the house. I say awkwardly, but the hawthorn doesn’t seem to care, and is welcoming true Spring by unfurling bright green new leaves everywhere I look.
I love the brilliant colour of fresh leaves, and hawthorn leaves always seem to look particularly frothy, because of the crinkly edges – like green origami.
I particularly like the new leaves against the lichen.
The lower part of the trunk is putting out fresh growth too, something that I will have to trim off if I am still to be able to access the compost bins. You can see where I – and others – have had to trim these lower attempts at spreading out before, and isn’t the bark itself wonderful.
I’ve not yet spotted any insect life, but there are clear signs of spiders at least, with webs tangled in the fissures and nodules on the trunk.
It is virtually impossible to photograph the hawthorn without also capturing the ivy that clings to and clambers up it. I know a lot of people view ivy climbing up trees like this as something to worry about, to clean off. I might feel differently if this tree was in an ornamental border, but sat right on the boundary, right next to the wilder corner of the park next door, I am happy to allow it to do its thing. Even the RHS suggests that ivy is only a problem from an aesthetic point of view, unless growing on a rather delicate host that is losing too much light.
There is nothing fragile or delicate about this hawthorn of mine, so I will enjoy the sight of fresh growth on the ivy too, and admire the way the roots grip the bark.
Permalink
A most enjoyable tree following post with terrific photos.
The contrast between this hawthorn and the one on my plot couldn’t be more different which I find interesting. xx
Permalink
Thank you Flighty. I think I find the differences between the same kind of tree but different ages or locations almost more fascinating than the differences between species.
Permalink
Fabulous photos – and a really interesting post about one of my favourite trees. It is great to see a tree from down by the fence at the side of the house and on the way to the compost heap having its moment of glory; and I love the way you have allowed ivy to get in on the tree meme action.
Permalink
Thanks Sarah, good to hear hawthorn is a favourite of yours too. It almost feels like cheating to claim it as “my” hawthorn since I didn’t plant it and it mostly exists over the fence in the park!
Permalink
Janet I can see why you enjoy your Hawthorn, lovely photos, the contrast of greens between the old Ivy growth and new growth from both plants must make it all the more pleasurable and what a fest for wildlife, you know how much further north I am so it is interesting that my wee Hawthorns are at a similar stage of leaf,
just feel the need to comment about the ivy as my daughter had a neighbours tree land in her garden one winter night because of the strong winds and density of ivy in the tree, she was living in suburban Surrey at the time, not a place known for strong winds! Frances
Permalink
Hi Frances, yes, I really enjoy the contrasting greens. As for ivy, I personally suspect that ivy merely hides how rotten a tree has become with its growth and then certainly might “aid” its fall with the added weight, but nothing Ihave seen suggests it can cause an otherwise healthy tree to fall.
Permalink
I was noticing the fresh greening of hawthorn hedges only the other day. Always a welcome sight/
Permalink
Isn’t it! I love that green haze that subtly starts to creep across the landscape at this time of year, if fills the gap left by the blackthorn finishing its flowering.
Permalink
I like the way how that hawthorn has adjusted itself to grow in that awkward spot, determined to grow and do well. In a way it is a symbol of resilience and adaptation too. And yes, the fresh spring growth is always a wonderful sight to see :)
Permalink
Yes, it really is determined to thrive isn’t it, undaunted by paving slabs or proximity to the house wall. Lovely pieces of stubborness.
Permalink
I too am a fan of new hawthorn leaves – their colour and shape. And of the ivy’s millions of feet.
Permalink
I now have visions of all those feet wriggling around in search of a better grip, which is fainlty creepy…
Permalink
looks like your Hawthorn sat for its portrait. Wonderful shots, with and without ivy, and ahead lies the blossom (though I’ve cast of my clout already!)
p.s. we’ve become terribly precious about ivy since those (ghastly in my opinion) Springwatch celebs.
Permalink
Hi Laura, I have cast my clout too!! I agree, ivy seems to have become feared and detested by many, and Iam sure that all too often it merely obscures dead and dying trees with its leaves and then gets blamed when the tree falls. Mine gets to stay for the forseeable.
Permalink
Hawthorn is making all the country lanes here green once more, such a beautiful shade of green. Your Hawthorn is determined to survive and will look even more wonderful when the blossom is out in a short while.
Permalink
Hi Pauline, yes, I love that creeping green haze that overtakes the hedgerows at this time of year. I am really looking forward to the blossom.
Permalink
Hawthorns are lovely trees, I would still worry about the ivy myself, I’ve seen lots of trees killed by tenacious ivy in many parts of the country.
Permalink
Hi Christina, is it really the ivy that kills the trees, or does it just obscure the death that is already there from some other source? From what have read on the RHS site and elsewhere ivy can’t constrict a tree in a way that causes damage, the most it can do is either break some branches through weight or sometimes steal too much light for (parts of) the host to thrive. I think I need to do more research, ivy is such a wonderful host for wildlife.
Permalink
Great pictures, Janet – I love watching the progress of hawthorn and at this time of year I can see that there are still a few outposts of it in our hedge. When I was working I could come back after the Feb half term and see that the hedges en route had gone from bare to green in the space of a week (well, some years). it will be intriguing to see when the flower buds first appear as the ones in the hedgerows often seem to be cut before they have the chance to flower
Permalink
Thanks Cathy. I agree, I often think hawthorn is the perfect harbinger of spring. Blackthorn blossom appears when the weather is still typically rather on the cold side, but once the hawthorn starts to green up you feel you can start to really get stuck in to all those mid spring jobs. I’m sure you are right about the hedges often not flowering, or not flowering well, because of when they are cut. Or butchered.
Permalink
I think the ivy looks like it has found its partner for life… true love? The bark really is lovely – great photos!
Permalink
Hi Cathy, they do seem rather content together, for all the controversy their pairing provokes!
Permalink
Have just looked back at your March Tree Following post Janet and oh what difference a month makes.
Ivy is certainly a tenacious character – I’ve been observing it clinging to my chosen tree too but I’m not particularly worried about its presence.
Permalink
Hi Anna, it is a dramatic change isn’t it, my favourite thing about Spring is the sudden transitions you get in individual plants, its as if they suddenly wake up and rush to join the party. Overall the experience is of gradual unfolding, but the individual bursts of activity are energising. I am glad to hear from another person unworried by ivy climbing up a tree, I was beginning to feel a little like a lone campaigner!
Permalink
Leaves emerging like origami–how delightful! I like your philosopy with this tree and with the ivy growing on it. It is a beautiful combination!
Permalink
Thank you! I love the combination too, and it is one that is perfect for wildlife. All the controversy has me wanting to do some more research though, ivy seems to get blamed for a lot of tree damage that personally I am sure is just hidden by the ivy, not caused by it.
Permalink
I have always been fond of Hawthorn Janet, liking all things red I was particularly fond of Paul’s Scarlet. Lichen, don’t they say that’s a sign of unpolluted air.
Permalink
The red hawthorn is lovely Alistair, I agree, and if I had more room… You are right about lichen, a sign of clean air – there is loads of it in the trees along the river, which is reassuring given that Wylfa Power Station is just a few miles up the coast ;-) Or maybe it is mutant lichen…
Permalink
We’ve a hawthorn hedge over from the house and it’s looking exactly the same as your tree. It’s great to see the hedgerows come to life – you know it won’t belong until we are swathed in green once again!
Your tree is gorgeous – personally, I don’t mind the Ivy – gives a bit of interest in winter and of course useful for the critters too.
Permalink
Hi Angie, oh good, plus 1 in the pro ivy corner! It is an exciting time of year isn’t it, I keep being sidetracked whilst attempting to get the weeds under control, so many new buds opening, leaves unfurling, fern fronds uncoiling. Magical.
Permalink
I love to see the Hawthorns at this time of year with the new leaves and then the glorious blossom. And it is such a great tree for wildlife, too.
Permalink
They are great trees aren’t they Wendy, though vicious thorns!
Permalink
Lovely post and photos, Janet. I’m more used to seeing hawthorn as a hedge so it’s nice to see it as a tree as well, especially the fresh leaves against a blue sky! I support your ivy camp! We had ivy growing up the three massacred plane trees here; it didn’t pull them down even though it had been growing for years and it played host to so many little birds and creatures. Now that the trees have been severely pruned (so no leaf canopy for this year at least), the ivy is providing the greenery in that corner. I pulled tons of it out of my fruit tree border as it had been allowed to become invasive but have left a few patches of it growing up the brick wall where it looks really pretty. It’s also brilliant at brightening up a shady corner if you grow the lime green or variegated ivy. Pleased you’re going to leave it be. :)
Permalink
Hi Caro, sorry its taken me so long to reply, I somehow lost a bunch of comments! Few things beat the sight of fresh green leaves on tree branches against deep blue sky. I’m glad you are in the pro ivy corner, it is surprisingly controversial. I was really sad to see that one of our fence posts is woibbling and will need replacing before the winter, as that section of fence plays host to a wonderful sprawling mass of mature ivy, and there are always birds and loads of insects in and around it. I know it will grow back, but not for a while, and I will feel bad cutting it down to mend the fence. I don’t feel in the least bad about ripping it out by the armful where it is choking my borders though ;-)
Permalink
I do love your hawthorn – and this fresh leaves look so appetising. In fact, we used to call them ‘bread and cheese’ and eat them on the way to and from school. Can’t remember what they taste like and have no desire to repeat the experiment, but we lived…
Permalink
I think I remember you telling me that before Kate, it made me shudder a little, think I will stick to just admiring them from a safe distance!!
Permalink
It’s lovely to see the fresh green leaves unfurling isn’t it. I think your hawthorn is a little ahead of mine. Blossom next, yay!
Permalink
Exciting, isn’t it Natalie! There are beginning to be signs of blossom now…
Permalink
This must be a very sturdy tree to tolerate the ivy. There are tiny leaves popping out on my trees, too, which is such an uplifting sight. :o) Hooray for spring!
Permalink
They are very tough trees, they even survive up on the cliffs, though there they are sculpted by the wind and stunted too, like living sculptures. Hooray for Spring indeed! Am now enjoying the tulips.
Permalink
Very different bark and I like the rich brown color of the bark…nice to see trees leafing out…it will be a while here before we see leaves.
Permalink
Hi Donna, it must be strange seeing all these fresh spring leaves on trees when you are barely emerging from winter. Mind you, the speed with which your garden is leaping in to spring it won’t be long!