With so much to be thankful for—extraordinary plants, a magnificent landscape, devoted colleagues, and a passionate community of friends of the Arnold Arboretum—I wish all of you a joyous new year, filled with the wonderment of nature.
From the depths of winter dormancy, I have chosen one of my favorite memories (among many) of 2018: bud burst in the northern Japanese hemlock, Tsuga diversifolia (1837-77*A), with the magical, ephemeral, seemingly fragile, light green of spring. Something to dream of, anticipate anew, and experience yet again in 2019.
And for a few more images of the conifers (both evergreen and deciduous) of the Arnold Arboretum in 2018, head here. Admittedly, heavy on budbreak.
I hope to see all of you out on the grounds in 2019!