Grow a Memory

Pay tribute to a special person or occasion by planting something meaningful.

Luke planted a hickory tree (above) in memory of his three uncles who fought in World War II. Each spring these beautiful buds emerge. ast fall I made a detour on my way to the airport. Wrapping up a visit to my hometown, I wanted to see one last friend before getting on the plane. I live a thousand miles away now, so it’s not often that I get to see the tree my dad planted for me when I was born. It may be just a silver maple to some, but it’s my silver maple.

Through the years I’ve continued this tradition. When my nephew Nick was born, I planted a black walnut to mark the occasion. I paid $2.50 for the seedling, but it was priceless to hear Nick had made a pilgrimage to see the tree decades later. I had always made it plain to him that it was his tree, and he felt a sense of ownership.

Recently I planted another black walnut—for a different reason. This one was growing sideways through the seam of a raised bed, and that tenacity inspired me to rescue the seedling. I dedicated it to a friend who has faced many obstacles since emigrating from Russia. I send him pictures of the tree’s progress to remind him that he shares the same strength.

Choose any plant when marking a special occasion or person; just research the pros and cons of the plant first. Trees are my go-to simply because of their longevity. It is as close as we can come

L