7-15-2025 10:44am

Flowering Trees in Our Midst

Christine Larkin Editor

SSKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - FLOWERING TREES IN OUR MIDST

This June, I noticed two flowering tree on the property where I live. I have lived here for 13 years and never noticed these majestic beauties, but this year, I did. They begin their bloom in May and June. The first one is the Northern Catalpa tree. I had never heard of it before, but its flowers are like mini orchids of white and yellow. The flowers are so beautiful and smell so sweet. That's me pictured above under a Catalpa tree in Connecticut on a recent trip there. What a perfect spot to sit. There was a storm one night, and as the wind hit the branches, the flowers fell to the ground like raindrops. It was beautiful.

As many of you know, I love flowers. But flowering trees are a new love. Perhaps their impact is even greater than flowers that grow from the ground because they are bold and beautiful, and you don't expect to see such gorgeous flowers on a large tree.

Northern Catalpa Tree

This is a tree that demands your attention with white, showy flowers and giant heart-shaped leaves and dangling bean-like seed pods. Their twisting trunk and branches are stoic. How could you not stop to take it in? It certainly got my attention.

Here are some other features of this majestic tree:

Produces clusters of large, trumpet-shaped white flowers in May and June that are showy and somewhat fragrant
Can be expected to begin flowering about 7 years after planting
Features distinctively large leaves that are up to 12" in length and 4–8" wide, with a somewhat heart or spear shape
Yields bean-like seed pods that are 8–20" long and ¼–½" wide, starting out green and turning brownish as they ripen; they are filled with numerous, 1" long seeds that are fringed at the ends
Can develop a unique twist in branches and the trunk
Grows in an oval shape
Requires cleanup after the flower petals, leaves and seed pods drop
Should not be planted where fruit and flowers can drop on sidewalks, as they are slippery right after they fall

Honey Comb Chestnut Tree

I have also recently discovered the Honeycomb Chestnut tree. I cut a branch and put it in a vase in my home. It lasted about a week and made a beautiful addition to my decor. This massive beauty towers over the benches in the circle where I sit some evenings. Where the Catalpa flower is more precise, the Honeycomb flower has a shaggy, wild appearance. The bright pink and yellow colors create an old-fashioned feel. It could almost be a great pattern for a summer dress.

Here are some general characteristics of this giant beauty:

Size and Shape: It's a large, deciduous tree, reaching heights of up to 40 meters (131 feet) with a slender form. When growing in open areas, it can develop a broad, rounded, dense crown. Old trees may have pendulous outer branches with curled-up tips.
Leaves: The leaves are large, deciduous, arranged alternately and spirally, reaching up to 30 cm long and 10 cm wide. They are oblong-lanceolate with deeply toothed margins and a glossy dark green upper surface. The leaves also contain tannins, mucilage, and flavonoids, giving them antibacterial, astringent, and sedative properties.
Flowers: Flowering occurs from early June to the end of July. The tree is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same tree, but on separate catkins. The flowers are arranged in long catkins, with male flowers maturing first. The pollen has a heavy, sweet odor.
Fruit: After pollination, each female flower develops into a globular dry fruit, 2 to 3 cm in diameter – the chestnut. Two or three chestnuts are encased within a thorny burr (also called a "bug") which develops from the crown of bracts around the female flowers. It's important to distinguish this from the fruit of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which is poisonous.
Bark: The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming thicker and deeply furrowed with age. The furrows run longitudinally and may twist around the trunk.

Ci sono gemme nascoste tutt'intorno a noi. There are hidden gems all around us. If you take the time to look up, you will notice things that perhaps have escaped your birds-eye view. That's what happened to me. It was quite the discovery to see these tall trees that have been in my midst for many years. I just missed them.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we can still discover new things. Just look around you. You might be surprised like I was.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - SUNKEN FOREST

The "Sunken Forest" is a unique maritime forest located on Fire Island, specifically at Sailors Haven within the Fire Island Seashore. It's known for its location behind the dunes, giving it the appearance of being sunken, though it's not actually below sea level. The forest is characterized by a variety of trees, including American Holly, Sassafras, and Shadbush, some of which are hundreds of years old. There is a boardwalk that traverses through the woods down to the beach. You really feel like you're walking through a forest.

Here's a more detailed look:

Location and Appearance: The Sunken Forest is situated on the barrier island of Fire Island, behind the primary and secondary dunes. It appears sunken because it's sheltered from the harsh Atlantic winds and salt spray by the dunes, which keeps the trees at a relatively low height.
Ecological Significance: This forest is considered a rare maritime holly forest and is a globally rare ecological community. It's one of only two such forests on the eastern seaboard, according to Atlas Obscura.
Visitor Experience: Visitors can explore the Sunken Forest via a boardwalk trail, enjoying views of the forest, beach, bay, and dunes. The area is known for its tranquility, with the sounds of birdsong and waves often being the only noticeable sounds.
Accessibility: The Sunken Forest is accessible by ferry from Sayville to Sailors Haven and is open for exploration from May through October, when ferry service is available. While the boardwalk is accessible year-round, facilities and services are limited outside of the main season.
Activities: Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Ranger-led tours are also available during the summer months, providing insights into the forest's unique ecology and history.

Visit www.nps.gov for the National Park Service.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week for me is seeing my Black Eyed Susan's taking shape in my garden. I planted them a month ago, and I can see small buds where flowers will bloom. I'm so excited. I will post pictures as soon as I have flowers. In the meantime, here's a beautiful example of what they will look like, though not quite this abundant. I planted just two plants. To be continued.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The phrase "stop and smell the roses" encourages taking time to appreciate the simple joys and beauty of life. It's about slowing down, being mindful, and savoring the present moment, rather than rushing through daily routines. The idiom suggests that we should not be so focused on our goals or worries that we miss the small, beautiful things that bring happiness and peace.

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Stop and smell the roses.

Italian: Fermati e annusa le roses.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What have you noticed recently?

Please put your answer under this post in the Comment section below. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - LOVELY DAY by BILL WITHERS

LYRICS

When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna beA lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seemed impossible to face
And when someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
And just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be

A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature aging through knowledge and self-awareness. Andiamo! Let's go!

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then I introduce a new topic. My vlog is live on my YouTube channel, Skylark Live, and you can view it at any time. Just click the link to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!