Saturday, June 26, 2010

Hanging heavy

For some reason this year the Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) growing to the side of the garden is hanging very heavy in developing seeds or keys as they are known.

Ash tree, Asy keys, Fraxinus excelsior

It's a lovely tree that has got better and better since we moved here a good number of years ago. Then it seemed to be declining, the foliage was sparse and thin. But since creating the garden and cultivating it the Ash tree has obviously benefited with resplendent growth every year.

Some of it's roots do manage to grow halfway across the garden and end up in some of the vegetable beds. It means the first few beds have to be dug each year to chop through the fine roots invading them and to stop them swiping the nourishment added to the bed.

Important for Wildlife

The Ash tree is very important for wildlife. Many Butterfly's and Moths depend upon it for food using both the leaves and the fruits. As it gets old it forms many crevasses and cracks in the bark that harbour many forms of insect life, attracting all sorts of birds to visit.

Improving it even more so for wildlife, the tree supports a good growth of Ivy (Hedera helix) which creates another terrific environment.

No comments:

Post a Comment