Friday 22 April 2011

FSO–Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, today’s topic are things earthy – trees, leaves, branches, dirt, planting for Earth Day.

We have many trees here on the farm, most of them natives but a few introduced species as well.  Of these, I think the poplar is probably the most profuse.   They were first grown in New Zealand in the 1830s as ornamental trees and for shelter.  Although they do add beauty and provide shelter for the stock, their main function on farms today is to prevent erosion on hill country farms and along creeks and drains.   In this photo you can see poplars growing happily alongside several native species and the native forest in the background.

on farm

When I thought about just one tree to feature I was torn between my favourite tree beside the road between here and town or the historic one I visited a couple of weeks ago.   My favourite is a bit out of season right now, so I decided on the historic one.   Despite being a native of the east coast of Australia it is ranked among New Zealand’s 10 most notable trees.  Planted around 1850, it’s a Moreton Bay Fig and in 1984 stood 26.5 m (86.9 feet) high and 48.5 m (159 feet) wide.  No, I didn’t measure it, that’s according to Wikipedia.  Some dead branches must have been removed on the left, as in my older photos it is perfectly rounded.


pahi

The rest of my photos are taken on the farm:

in garden

Branches and twigs sitting on the banks of our little Pikiwahine Stream:

branches by creek1

They were washed downstream in the most recent flood in February, and along with bigger logs, took out my son’s bridge over the stream.  I like looking at the layers in the dirt along the banks of the stream.  They tell the history of the land. 

Our dirt road (and a few trees) as it weaves its way up the valley past the farm:

dirt road

I've had a peep at some of the other participants shots this week and they are well worth popping over here to see.

13 comments:

  1. That fig tree is positively gorgeous; I guess I better forgive its non-native status. Your header is fabulous too.

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  2. Well the fig tree is wonderful but I love the shot of the dirt road and trees on the farm. It actually drew me in and I wondered what was over the hill...

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  3. Great tour of the area around your farm. Love the road and, of course, the great old historic tree. In Charleston we have the "Angel Oak" -- sometime I will revisit shooting it but it had many stakes holding up old branches -- good for the tree, not so good for photography.

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  4. your historic tree is wonderful. I can imagine enjoying a thought or two while sitting under its branches. I love being under trees. they all seem to have their individual smell.

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  5. So lush! I'm struck by how lovely it is.

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  6. The Moreton Bay fig tree is absolutely amazing! Thanks for reminding me it's Earth Day. I'm thankful for the 60 acres of bush we have on our farm - a place for the deer, coyotes, beaver, moose and bear to call home...

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  7. The photo of the dirt road is just amazing. It is so beautiful it almost doesn't look real!

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  8. The fig tree is both beautiful in itself and as a reminder of a wonderful day.

    I could keep saying Pikawahine over and over because it has such a wonderful scan to it.

    The last photo is just perfect, Pauline, as a reminder of the 'Outer' Waiotira!

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  9. The landscape is just very beautiful!! The huge trees are great! Happy weekend!

    Trees

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  10. Awesome landscape, with such huge trees against the blue sky, is so perfect for photography.

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  11. Oh what a stunning tree..wow!!! I always love your shoots..wonderful hon!! Sarah :)

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  12. wow! I love the last shot but the fig tree is magnificent. I bet it is a sight to see. think of all the shade and clean air it provides.

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