The big trees that went down in the recent storms are still lying about over by the tower. This first one shows a big branch that went over the old seawall. The old seawall was built before 1503 and the land where the trees stand is on a manmade peninsula. It was all constructed to protect our town from the wildness of the Zuyder Zee.I know that there are a couple of you that know this area well. There were only two trees, but they were massive. Here are the two trees, one fell over exposing the roots and the other one snapped-off just above the ground. What a wind force that must have been. After the foto session, we strolled in the park to see what was happening at the blue heron nests. Instead of looking up we just looked horizontally and saw this hobbit story-like scene. The water you see on the foreground is standing water that has not yet soaked into the ground. It all looked a bit magical in the woods but of course the foto can’t give the feeling of being there. I guess that that is a problem with many pics.
Yikes! The power of Mother Nature! Around here, those trees would have been cut up and taken away by people for their woodstoves.
I thought you’d recognise that area, Eileen. The limbs are enormously heavy, the trunks are impossible to lift or move. It is so sad to see these giants fallen. You are right Netty, the force is shocking. Zigs, we call those trees, es (ash I believe). There are no eik, or oak growing on that seawall area. It pains me when trees are lost. I do not know what the rule says for this case, but when trees are felled to build buildings or roads for instance, by law they must be replaced. I am very much in agreement with that law. Quite right KK. It was the strongest and longest series of storms in a row that have happened here in a very long time.
So sad to see those trees at the end of their lives. I hope they plant several young ones for the future. Given the area, maybe Tilia cordata? They seem pretty resilient.
There are loads of Tilia all over our town. I have no idea if they will replant there, and if-so what their choice will be. I am a big fan of This sort of tree because my bees are crazy about it. There is an entire street lined with them just across from my hives, so they do not have to fly far.
I read that Tilia makes wonderful honey. I planted mine for the bees, although my hives didn't survive and I gave up. The T. cordata are quite beautiful. I planted a T. americana, it grew rapidly then died suddenly. In its place, I planted a Eucalyptus subcrenulata, supposedly fast growing and with colorful bark. I don't know if it will have a bee benefit. The leaves are mildly fragrant, not as strong as blue eucalyptus. Also for bees, I grow milkweed, let the dandelions and clover bloom, and this year I'm planting a lot more wildflowers.
Mate, so sorry that you stopped with your bees. There are several types of Tilias to choose from and if the conditions are right, they can give bucket loads of nectar. I like the taste of Tilia honey, but the Bride doesn’t find it strong enough. Before I started keeping bees, I purposely planted plants that either are frequently visited by bees or that gave more nectar than other plants. It is great that you are planning to plant for bees. Chapeau. Wildflowers are so important to all pollinators, so that is a good and important goal. So much of the natural occurring wildflowers have been lost over the years to farming and construction. If you look at it, its alarming really.
