Silver birch
It’s very hilly where we live, high banks and hedges, too, and because of the undulating ground there are often picturesque backdrops which set off the beauty of trees in the foreground. In one steep place, on the way back from Barnstaple, are three tall silver birch, behind them a dark, north-facing slope. They’re always thrown into dramatic relief by their se ing, and they’ve looked especially theatrical over the last few weeks.
Many of their leaves have fallen but those hanging on are golden and gli er in the morning light as the moisture, from a recent shower, twinkles. They create a cascade of brilliant yellow intermingled with the pendulous silvery twigs.
Do you feel differently about each kind of tree? Birch trees make me feel happy, they’re so light-hearted, so graceful and at their ease.
Where we live they’re few and far between, much of our soil is too heavy and wet for them to feel at home. Yet, here and there are a few, sometimes in small colonies, sometimes standing alone, that have reached their sublime best. As you head out towards Exmoor, there are more of them. They love light, sandy soil and can often be seen at their best in Surrey. Munstead Wood, Gertrude Jekyll’s former garden, near Godalming, has heath soil, sandy and acid, which is ideal for birch trees.
OB.Ietustrusnlpaaet pciviefienc sdeiulpvlieatrhbeitr(cthhies second bit of its name) denoting the way in which its tracery of twigs and branches hang gracefully downwards and, if you have the right soil, it makes a perfect tree, especially when space is at a premium.