THE NOSEY NEIGHBOR- Palm trees

Hello! From May 25, 2020

I’m writing again for all my curious neighbors.

When last I wrote, I was expounding on the marvels of the Jacaranda trees of which will soon be a pandemic memory.

I had hardly taken in the tall palm trees that dotted the landscape.

Today, I felt captivated by those iconic images, not that they have not been there, but my photo walk sessions have drawn me to the beautiful strangeness of the Palm, a little bit of paradise.

Every street I walk has a palm tree among the citrus trees, the pepper trees, and eucalyptus trees. They are not just relegated to the neighboring boulevards.

From the grand and beautiful California palm with its continuous “petticoat” to the Mexican Fan with its outrageously tall trunk and magnificent fronds and others in-between.

My love and respect for these beautiful trees changed.

May we all be like the palm trees!

WHY?

BECAUSE:

“There is no need for big fancy branches and leaves. Minimal is beautiful and key for survival.

Intriguing point was this: palm trees have rather dense roots. They sacrifice size for quantity. Instead of a few large roots anchored into the soil, palms produce a multitude of smaller roots that spread out into the upper layers of the soil.

By increasing the number of roots they put down, palms are able to hold on to a larger volume of soil and therefore possess a much heavier base. This keeps them standing upright in all but the worst conditions.”

“We need a support community! No one can go at it alone!”

God’s Word keeps us grounded and standing tall.

So I continue to walk. I continue to be blessed by the distinct features of my neighborhood.

Pine tree hugging palm tree