Tree News

For those searching for information on white blooming trees in Atlanta, there are several showy woody plants that are flowering right now: Bradford pear trees are finishing, and now starting to push their leaves. Wild pears are still flowering. Dogwood trees are beginning to open up their flower buds, but this will take at least two weeks to get going Star magnolias are finishing up. White flowering cherry trees are just starting to open their flower buds.

My son and I have been watching a Kieffer Pear tree around the 'hood. In a previous article I mentioned that this tree was to be our subject of study this year. The tree's buds have erupted. The sepals and flower petals are clearly visible. A few young leaves can be seen as well. The creamy white color of the petals will develop within the next few days.

This year, I have decided to teach my son the complete seasonal cycle of a tree. I picked a fruit tree for the following reasons: - Fruit trees bloom early - They set a tangible, recognizable fruit - The qualities of the tree will stimulate the senses: smell, taste, touch The victim, er uh, subject , is a lone Kieffer Pear at the bottom of a short road embankment near our neighborhood. The tree is in the street right-of-way, making the pear a 'public' tree. We don't want to be trespassing, now, do we? Since we roll by the tree regularly on both walks and drives, my son and I will be able to monitor the tree as it blooms, breaks leaves, produces fruit, and turns color. The grand climax, of course, will be picking some pears and feasting on the fruits of the tree's labor. Creating an extended relationship between a student and his subject of study is one of the most effective and exciting teaching methods. It is far better than the typical institutional model, w...