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Planting a Memorial Tree
By Larry Caplan
(We are honored to re-print the following article, which was written by Larry Caplan, a Purdue University Extension Horticulture Educator in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. We thank him for granting permission to share his column, which originally ran in the "Evansville Courier & Press" on September 23, 2001. We know that the information will be of great interest to our readers in the Greater Boston Area and Massachusetts in general.)
The multiple tragedies that our nation faced on September 11 will be burned into our memories for a long time to come. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and I offer our heartfelt sorrow to the families of the victims, and our gratitude to the rescue workers at Ground Zero.
People here in the Midwest have been looking for something to do to honor our fallen citizens. Many have given blood to the Red Cross; others have donated food and money. I see many people with American flags on their homes and cars. Houses of worship are filled with people offering prayers for the victims.
I had thought that there was little a horticulturist such as myself could offer at this time. But I have had a couple of people ask me about planting trees or flowers to mourn and honor the victims of terrorism. I think this is a wonderful idea: to plant a living memorial that will last for many years to come.
Before planting a memorial tree, be sure that you have a good site for it. Make sure you have room for this plant to grow to mature size. Prepare the site properly, and follow all recommended steps on planting and care. Various publications, free from the Extension office, can help you with these steps.
What should you plant? I've done a little searching, and have come up with a short list of plants and their symbolic meanings. I'll list a few plants that represent appropriate symbolism, and will do well in southern Indiana. The symbolisms listed below were derived from "Symbolic Qualities of Flowers and Trees" (http://www.crafthaven.com/Plants/SymbolicQualitiesFlowersTrees.htm); and "Sacred Woods and the Lore of Trees" (http://www.tarahill.com/treelore/trees.html).
Apple: healing and love.
Cherry: death and rebirth; new awakenings.
Flowering almond: hope.
Holly: death and rebirth; protection; overcoming of anger.
Oak: independence; bravery; protection, strength, stability, endurance, continuity.
Poplar (Genus Populus; Lombardy poplar, cottonwood): ability to endure and conquer; courage.
Aspen (other species of Populus, including Quaking Aspen): determination; overcoming fears and doubts.
Elder (as in elderberry; Genus Sambucus): "indicates the end in beginning and beginning in end; Life in Death and Death in Life."
Cedar: healing, cleansing, protection.
Beech: prosperity.
Cypress: sacrifice (I would use this to dedicate plantings for the over 300 rescue workers lost in the collapse).
Andromeda: self sacrifice.
Arborvitae: unchanging friendship.
Spruce: hope in adversity.
Elm: strength of will; patriotism.
Pine: balance of pain and emotions.
Geranium: healing, happiness, renewed joy.
Hyacinth: overcoming of grief; gentleness.
Nasturtium: patriotism.
Rose: love, strength through silence. White and red roses together signify unity.
Rosemary: remembrance.
Rudbeckia: justice.
Sweet William: gallantry.
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