There are two trees in the Brooklin Cemetery that are spectacular now, one because of its leaves, the other because it has dropped its leaves. This is how the leafy one appeared on Thursday afternoon (October 22):
It’s a mature Japanese Maple cultivar (probably Acer palmatum, sub. palmatum) in the southwestern corner of the Cemetery. This tree, which has Asian family origins, apparently has reached its maximum height of about 35-plus feet and, therefore, is old for its type. These trees grow about one foot a year until they reach maturity and have been known to live more than 100 years. We have been unable to find the history of its planting.
The other spectacular tree in the Cemetery also is a cultivar that has family origins in Scotland. It’s a Camperdown Elm (Ulmus glabra “Camperdownii”) that commands the middle of the Cemetery. Unlike the Japanese Maple, this Elm loses its small leaves early and extends its sinuous branches as if in a blessing. Here’s an image of it taken yesterday:
We also have been unable to find the history of this beauty’s planting. Any help on the history of these trees would be appreciated. (Brooklin, Maine)