Nice/sad story, thanks togata. Gardens and plants are transient, as we are ourselves. It was brought home to me recently when a garden which I had seen grow since 1966 was sold and is likely to be felled like Herbie, but long before time is up for most of it's plants.
I wonder what will be done with Herbie's remains...wouldn't it be nice if someone would make furniture from him? Gone, but not forgotten.
That is sad, especially since he had a name! I hope his remains go to good use and live on in a beautiful, useful way.
at the least, i hope they take part of a branch and fashion a nice plaque to commemorate his life. 200+ years is quite an accomplishment - especially since he was infected with the dutch elm disease for quite a while.
I remember when all the Elm trees in Toronto were cut down due to that disease. Late '50's. When we got out of school that day there were crews going down our street cutting one after another of the trees that I used to be able to watch the birds and squirrels in, in the large branches from my bedroom window. It was shocking and very sad. I think mom has a nut bowl a neighbour made from a piece of the one from their yard. D
Oh, Dana...how awful. Here in Ohio massive cutting of ash trees is going on, in an attempt to combat the emerald ash borer. But your story is especially sad, because all that took place right in front of you when you were a kid. I also wonder if any of Herbie's seeds were saved...?
