new trees in Laurelhurst Park

Naming the New Trees

Dear Liza,

The city of Portland has planted over a dozen new trees in Laurelhurst Park, just a few blocks from us. These are to replace trees that have fallen in the last few years, victims of storms, heavy winds, and in some cases, just old age.

As we get to know the new trees, we entertain ourselves by giving them names and backstories.

For example, the three Katsuras along the path by the Pine Street entrance are named for The Three Caballeros; Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Chevy Chase. They lead right up to Ken the oak tree, who is now called Just Ken.

A well-established tree that we have admired for years has been given the name Mama Rose, after the main character in the play “Gypsy”. She is strong, a flamboyant pink, and always the first to bloom.

A new Douglas fir by the Wallosaurus (a stone wall with a spiky top) along Cesar Chavez Boulevard has been given the named Dougasaurus, for obvious reasons.

A new Dove tree, a variety of dogwood, will go by the name Dove, to honor my friend Dove, a strong and wonderful educator, mother, and supporter of the world. Dove is planted overlooking Firwood Lake.

A new Linden tree will go by Hal, for Hal Linden, the actor and star of the old Barney Miller tv series, who is amazingly still with us in his 90’s. His character was always kind in an often unkind world. He made me smile.

Artful Dodger, a new tree by our old friend Oliver, is planted in the Cesar Chavez/Ankeny corner. He was named so that these two Charles Dickens characters will always be together.

So now, when I go to the park, it’s like visiting friends!

Love,

Grandma Judy

New Friends at Laurelhurst Park

Dear Liza,

I’ve told you about all the big trees that have come down in Laurelhurst Park. The ice storm we had last month really took its toll.

But help is on the way! The urban arborists of the city of Portland have been busy this last week, planting more than a dozen new trees all over the park.

These three Katsuras are in a line just inside the Pine Street entrance, and will hold the hill in place and make a wonderful corridor as they mature.

They make a line right up to Ken, our favorite young oak tree.

This new Douglas Fir is planted on the Caesar Chavez side of the park, by what we call the “Wallosaurus”. This is a fine replacement for one of the giants we lost.

This little leaf linden has been planted in line with some older lindens on the Ankeny side. We haven’t named the new trees yet, because they need to develop their own personalities first. It will be fun to see them grow over the coming years!

I will introduce you when you come visit.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Ken, the Oak Tree

Dear Liza,

You know how much I love walking in Laurelhurst Park. I feel very close to some of the trees, especially the younger ones that I have gotten to see grow up.

This past Spring, several of our old giants fell in a big windstorm. This is a natural way for a tree to die, but it is still sad to see. This oak fell over with some of its roots still in the ground. The City cut most of the tree away to keep the paths safe and the dog park clear.

And someone decided that the remaining set of roots should protect a NEW tree, and planted one, right there. We named it Ken.

This summer we have enjoyed watching Ken grow. He has gained about a foot in height. He is growing almost as fast as you are!

And now it is Fall, time for Ken to change his leaves and have a nice long rest for winter. I can’t wait to see his new leaves pop out come March!

Love,

Grandma Judy