Rosemont is a small hamlet in western New Jersey. The Rosemont Burial Ground, which dates back to the 18th century, is nestled among low hills in a small valley descending to the Delaware. The grave of William Bray, who collected the boats for George Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas eve, 1776, is the most notable grave site.
Each spring, a venerable Redbud (Cercis canadensis) bursts into profuse bloom near the back of the burial ground. This is the largest, and oldest, Redbud I've ever seen. The trunk is short - the tree probably owes its longevity to its low profile - but about 30 inches in diameter. This must be a notable tree of its type, deserving of preservation efforts.
Amazing tree
ReplyDeleteBTW - You've been nominated for an award
http://fingmonkey2009awards.blogspot.com/2009/05/key-francis-scottleonard-cohen-award_05.html
What a remarkable tree. I hope there is someone to look after it, it looks like there may be a little crotch rot going on. There is one in my neighbor on an infill lot about that size, but not that old. I am not sure how it survived having an unremarkable vinyl house built next to it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Garden Monkey.
ReplyDeleteLes, Growing up in Mississippi, I was used to seeing quite large Redbuds. But they just don't get this large here, at least I thought they didn't. I'm afraid no one is looking after this one and I'm doubtful anyone has interest. We had a small grove of Franklinia alatamaha in nearby Sergeantsville a few years ago; they were destroyed to build "affordable housing." I'm sure no one knew what they were, but that probably wouldn't have mattered. Do you know of an organization that provides help saving valuable trees?
ReplyDeleteThat tree's a stunner - must have been the week for walks around the tombstones.
ReplyDeleteI don't know of a particular organization that helps old trees. You may want to contact the county cooperative extension or local master gardeners group, if there are such things in NJ. You may also want to contact Bartlett Tree Experts, they are nationwide and maybe they would do it gratis for the community exposure and potentially positive good press - particularly because of the tree's historic location.
ReplyDeleteTag Jim--you're it-- go have a look. We're playing blog tag:-)
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkpackratatplay.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-got-tagged-in-game-of-blog-tag.html
Exquisite, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's gorgeous. The Cultural Landscape Foundations works to preserve historical trees/landsacpes:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tclf.org/
I'll check that out. I think this tree is a notable one.
ReplyDeleteThat's an amazing tree. I plant several redbuds every year. If even one could turn out like this...
ReplyDeleteIt is wondrous that what we think of as a sort-lived tree could survive so long. I guess it's well over a century old.
ReplyDelete