‘Wedding Tree’ arbutus menziesii, Bodega Ridge, Galiano Island, BC Canada
In August we attended the wedding of our granddaughter on Galiano Island, one of the Gulf Islands, British Columbia on the west coast of Canada. The setting was as beautiful as the weather. I was struck by one of the native trees, arbutus menziesii (known as madrone or madrona in US), a broad leaf evergreen with clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, red fruit in the fall and striking peeling reddish orange bark year round. It provides food for wildlife and is host to numerous insects and birds. With deep roots it thrives in drought, and firmly secures earth on steep slopes. The tree can grow over 30 meters tall and live hundreds of years. Sadly, recently urban development has contributed greatly to its decline in its native habitat. In honour of Paige and Jeff’s celebration of love, and as a tribute to one of our endangered natural treasures, I have created ‘Wedding Tree’ (limited edition of 10).