Old Trees, Stumps & Logs
A Happy Accident
Part of what makes Bloedel Reserve so captivating is the way in which a wide variety of naturally occurring elements are woven into the gardens and landscapes. Those elements include old trees, rotting logs and stumps, of which there is no shortage on the grounds. In fact, some of these elder forest elements have become prominent and well-loved parts of the Reserve. Many visitors will remember the large, upturned root flare behind the bench located alongside the trail in the Moss Garden. That tree, a Western Hemlock, originally blew down in a winter storm in 2004. Its location was serendipitous. Being parallel to the trail, it offers visitors a rare look at how tree roots normally grow — spreading outward near the surface of the land.
Bloedel staff cleaned off the dirt and rocks embedded in the root flare using a pressure washer and the resulting roots were left for guests to enjoy. Over the years, the root flare has become one of the most frequently used backdrops by visitors who are taking pictures of each other. In fact, it was only in 2018 (14 years after the tree fell) that a bench was put in both to provide a rest stop for guests and also to protect the trail and the root flare from erosion and damage.
Second Chances
Down in the Birch Garden, not too far from the Christmas Pond, is a gnarled, old Bigleaf Maple. Its current height and branching developed after the much larger, older tree top broke away from the trunk. Internal decay had caused the top to break away and left the trunk itself hollow. Surprisingly, the remains of the older trunk survived, sprouted branches, and once again developed into a large tree. But trees do eventually reach the end of their life span, and this old maple does not have much time left. Because it adds great character to the Birch Garden and Christmas Pond, we have had it cabled to increase its stability and add a few years to its life.
The Old Giant
A very large stump that often goes unnoticed can be found in the Orchid Woods between the Glen and the Japanese Garden. It can be seen on the left just after you climb the steps on the way to the Japanese Garden. It is the remains of a very old Douglas Fir that was cut down long before any of the current staff arrived, possible even before the Bloedels purchased the property in the 1950s.
As far back as the 1980s, the Horticultural staff had been able to climb atop this stump with ladders. It has suffered considerable decay since then and now its bark is held in place by inconspicuous heavy gauge wire. No longer safe to climb, it silently watches guests pass by.
A Place to Grow
Nearby in the Rhododendron Glen, stumps are not only left for visitors to enjoy, but are also used for planting. Along the Waterfall Trail leading toward the Birch Garden is a twisted, old stump. A collection of ferns has been planted in its nooks and crannies, making a beautiful mini-display garden. The staff who maintain the Rhododendron Glen have even hidden a drip irrigation system within the stump to water the resident ferns.
Recently, this stump has begun to lean over and will eventually topple. But that is just part of nature. As one stump disappears, another will no doubt appear, and the staff will find new ways to incorporate it into the landscape.
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