Friday 21 October 2011

toffee air friday

I couldn't really move on with life under the duvet.
There's far too much going on in the world, to wallow.
So I've planted a tree as a fresh start.
I spent days looking for the right one to plant in the new bed.
I have chosen a cercidiphyllum japonicum
also known as a katsura or toffee apple tree.
It is potentially going to be a large tree, 
so I will keep it in check by pruning.
I shall be very excited come spring to see the fresh new leaves.
You may be asking why toffee apple tree?
All the books say that in autumn the leaves
give off a delicate aroma of burnt sugar
reminiscent of toffee apples!
And it's true!

The late Geoff Hamilton said it was his favourite tree 
and he wouldn't be without it.
I can totally see and smell why..
..and now I want a toffee apple!

14 comments:

Juliab said...

Those leaves are so unusual, gorgeous colour, I'd love to smell their scent. I saw some toffee apples in the supermarket this week. Enjoy the unseasonal weather this weekend. xx

Dotty Peach said...

I love your tree I had never heard of this. Your garden always looks so beautiful. I'm kind of in the same place with the wallowing. Enjoy the weekend and grab a toffee apple. xx

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I've just this minute had a toffee apple!!! :)
Vivienne x

Simone said...

Your tree sounds delicious! If Geoff Hamilton (and Clare!)liked it then I am sure I would too! Your garden looks lovely - mine has gone to pot. Have a wonderful weekend up and out of the duvet. x

Nicky said...

I have one of those in the garden and you know when it has been cold as that toffee apple smells wafts past your nose! It is a big tree but very pretty especially when backlit by the sun in Spring and Autumn! Enjoy!

ferne said...

Great choice for a tree! I will have to look it up, sounds yummy!

gillyflower said...

What a great thing to do, and what a lovely sounding name!
Hopefully it will help you to think anew think positive think ahead.
I bought myself an icecream maker when i had a miscarriage years ago and needed to try to move on - I really dont know why but it just seemed to give me some sort of "life goes on" kind of feeling at the time.
Gill xx

Sheila said...

Hadn't heard of this tree, sounds wonderful.

Mary said...

Your tree sounds yummy!!! Be on the look-out for something yummy coming your way...hee hee!

Lisa said...

What a fabulous choice, love the sound of the name and for it to be smell so scrummy too, totally fab!
Lisa x

Catherine said...

what a great idea to plant something and what a lovely colour, a bonus that it smells great too

greenthumb said...

I also planted a tree, and every year when it flowers I remember my first little love who didn't live long enough.

lavender attic said...

Hi Clare
Ashamed, as a keen gardener I didn't know this tree, but then strangely it is featured in this months Country Homes & Interiors. Hope you are doing ok, x Lavender Attic

Cathy at PotterJotter said...

Hi Clare - sorry I've been out of it just when you needed support - typical! Anyway, sad to hear your news but glad you're out from under the duvet and looking forward - its the only way. Thinking of you. x Cathy.