Franklinia

At first, I just noticed the charming bird feeder, shaped like an acorn hanging from the tree. But then I noticed the tree was flowering and had this amazing bark. And then the fun began. Quickly we hit Susan's tree identification books and wondered if it was possible that this tree in the backyard was a Franklinia. When another friend came by who knew that it was absolutely a Franklinia, we were pretty happy. How lucky was I to spend the weekend at a home with such an amazing garden and a blooming Franklinia tree? I'd been waiting and waiting to see the one bloom at Brooklyn Botanic. Unfortunately that one is tucked away in a corner of the garden where it isn't visible and probably is outcompeted for sun by neighboring trees. The one this weekend though was flourishing.