Friday, April 19th, 2024

[Dave]

Thanks Quint.

Rich nice capture of what I'm sure is a fun road on one's vehicle of choice.

Thanks, MFI.

That's a stunning early sunset photo.

Thanks Natalie.

[Man From Ironbark]

Forty years of growth. I suppose it is fast.

[Rich]

Thanks Dave!
Peter, compared to 4o years of an Oak tree growth, that is fast!

[Man From Ironbark]

Reliable sources suggest that Eucalyptus species can grow 6 to 10 feet per year. It all depends on species suitable for soil and climates but water is everything. I've planted redgums that were one foot tall into flooded ground and have seen them reach 20 feet within nine months. However, river redgum (Euc. camaldulensis) are adapted to a regime of floods and droughts. They can lose half of their morphology over long dry periods and put it all back on in one flood season.
I planted a yellow box (Euc. melliodora) in the front yard in 1982. I was actually opposed too planting it as it was going to be a big tree in the wrong position, to my minds eye. However, She Who Must Be Obeyed dictated that it be planted there and yes it has been a wonderful experience to see the bird life it has attracted over the years. The tree was barely 6" or 15cm tall when planted. It is now something well above 75 feet and cutting down my sunlight in winter, so it may have to go. I recall my words back at the beginning. "If you plant this here it will be a problem later". Well, now it is. There are branches which if they fall, could damage the house or indeed passing vehicles and power lines. It also vastly reduces the amount of sunlight that falls on the house during winter which makes me shiver more and cuts back on the ability to use solar panels.
So now I'm facing either removal of the tree or a severe haircut that will make the tree ugly for a while.

It has been a great galah tree, providing huge pink and grey aerial displays at dusk and dawn but 500+ birds screeching at every mosquito bite in summer, does make for many restless nights. However, the heat makes sleeping difficult anyway.


Some galahs. Photo taken in 2009.
This is the absolute best honey of all., that made from Yellow Box.. but the name melliodora should give that away. The flowers smell like honey and bees absolutely love it.



It has provided me with so many photographs of things connected or protected by the tree itself.
Birds and insects using the flowers.


Backdrop for photos. This of a wet view through the window in 2008.


This shot only really captures the main branches as I'm standing next to it with the camera looking up. taken in 2013.

[Dreamin]

Rich, I look forward to seeing your painting!
Peter, that IS a large tree. The leaves remind me of our willows........love your view out of the wet window!