English Elm Tree (Ulmus minor)

 Did not expect to find such a tree in the high desert.  One tree I look forward to seeing every spring is the English elm tree.  Its gaunt bare winter look is gloriously transformed.  "In the spring, before the leaves appear, tiny flowers form and from them spring bunches of bright green fruit consisting of ½ -inch disks with a seed at the center. The bright green clusters, which may be mistaken for leaves, add a very delicate color to flower arrangements."

2019 Spring: The previous winter's rain effect on the English elm tree: bursting with flowers.

 

2021:  Last year, the windstorm knocked off a big chunk off the tree to the ground.  We connected it back using chains and after several months, it has fused with the stump and new shoots are emerging.

Started using the buckets system to reuse kitchen water for the plants and trees.  Some days you get several gallons and you’ll always find some reusable water. The plants were struggling from lack of rain and the English elm tree is putting out flowers though not as much.

2022 spring:  Due to dry winter, the elm blooms were scarce this spring. A mixed bouquet with tamarix and mums. They would add great visual appeal to ikebana.

Recently I found a tiny elm tree seedling and am nurturing it. It is protected so the critters will not eat it. The future elm tree is about 3" tall growing in a container.

September 2022: Welcome to earth and get ready for alchemy. A future elm tree seedling in progress.