Category: Breaking News!

A few years ago, Payne’s discovered a remarkable flowering pear tree that not only “survived” but also “thrived” at ground zero. As we remember 9/11, we wanted to revisit and share with you the inspiring story of THE SURVIVOR TREE.

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The “Survivor Tree” photo by JIN S. LEE

We learned about a very special flowering pear tree that  managed to “survive” at ground zero and we wanted to share with you the story of the THE SURVIVOR TREE

A Callery pear tree became known as the “Survivor Tree”after enduring the September 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center.

In October 2001, a severely damaged tree was discovered at Ground Zero, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.

Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years.

The Survivor Tree seedling program was launched on September 11, 2013, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts of Stamford, Connecticut, and John Bowne High School in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens.


Click on the link to learn more.
Source: www.911memorial.org

Visitors leave tributes at the survivor tree after the terrorist attacks in downtown Manhattan borough in New York, NY. Photo by Jin Lee, 9/11 Memorial

VALERIE’S VIEW from the Greenhouse!

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UNDER-APPRECIATED PLANTS!

Sorrel – Imagine a trendy green that has a super-long season. It can be used in salads, soups and sauces. This flavorful little leaf brightens everything it touches; yet, it remains unknown to most home cooks. It’s an incredibly easy plant to grow. It’s a perennial, fast-growing, meaning if you’re looking at a spring garden, you should stock up on sorrel. Like many other spring greens, sorrel has a pronounced flavor. You wouldn’t want to eat just a salad of sorrel, so mix young leaves with milder lettuces. Blanching also helps tone down the bitterness, but the color changes.

 

We also have Cuban Oregano. A wonderful plant – great smell, delicious flavor and an easy grower. The flavor is much stronger than a Greek Oregano ~ the leaves contain pungent oils and you use much less in any recipe calling for oregano. A lovely plant with thick fuzzy leaves, grayish green and finely haired, with a saw toothed edge. A semi tropical, it must be brought inside in any zone below 9, but the good news is that it grows well indoors as long as you place the pot in a bright sunny window. Outdoors, make sure to provide your plant with a little afternoon shade as full sun may be too strong. And, this plant has succulent fleshy leaves so make sure that you don’t over water, and provide well-draining soil.

Last but not least, the Vicks plant is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. Its leaves contain essential oils that are known for their soothing and calming properties, making it a popular choice for respiratory health.

The Vicks plant has a distinct scent that is similar to menthol, providing a refreshing and invigorating aroma in any room. Simply crush a few leaves and inhale deeply to help clear your airways and ease your breathing. Or prepare an herbal steam by crushing a few leaves into boiling water and inhaling the steam that forms. In addition to its health benefits, the Vicks plant is also a visually stunning addition to your home decor. Its lush, velvety green leaves and vibrant purple flowers make it a striking plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, most animals resist it.

HAPPY GARDENING!