Stephen Swain: I thought it was my favorite tree ...

by Steve Swain

A rosarian once asked me, “You do know that trees are our enemies, don’t you?” Well, I had mixed feelings about the implication of that question, because I do want some shade in my patio from the summer sun, but I have always wanted roses, too.

As every French Quarterite knows, our patios and gardens are very much influenced by the trees, not to mention the architectural peculiarities, of our neighbors’ properties. For example, I was resigned to a totally shade oriented garden, because the neighbor on one side had a magnolia and the neighbor on the other side had a golden rain tree. Imagine my year long mutterings as I constantly swept the leaves, flowers, silk, magnolia cones, rain tree pods, branches, etc., knowing full well that fate had cruelly denied me roses.

Then the hand of God intervened several years ago in the form of a bitter freeze and the rain tree was reduced to a dead skeleton, which my neighbor cut down to the stump. Even though fresh shoots appeared on the stump in the spring, I rejoiced in my good fortune. Next the magnolia was diagnosed with a severe infestation of termites and was taken down by the neighbors on the other side.

In my triumph I bought several roses for very large pots and, as a side thought, I purchased a wisp of a fig sapling. Later while wandering the Warehouse District I discovered an interesting tree with orchid-like flowers that developed seedpods, one of which I took. I think you know the ending of this tale: I now have a behemoth of a fig tree and a 35-foot tall orchid tree gracing my patio. Oh, and by the way, the rain tree is back, bigger and messier than ever!

Until this summer I thought that the orchid tree was my favorite, especially because it was heavily laden with blossoms this spring. As you may know, the orchid tree drops it leaves and seedpods late spring to summer. I have been as busy sweeping as though the magnolia tree had never gone away!

St. Teresa said to be careful what you pray for, because you just might get it!