Taking Root Seasonal gardening advice

Fathers give us so much patience, guidance and strength.
Father’s Day is June 21.
How about giving the most important man in your life -- your Dad, Granddad or a father figure -- something that represents what he gives to you?
Trees add so much to the quality of our lives.
They provide shade from the South Florida sun, help clean the air and are shelter for birds, among other benefits.
And trees have been credited with lowering the blood pressure of those who exercise nearby or sit beneath them.
These days, we could all use a little less stress.
I recommend two trees that are easy to plant and care for and they come with an added benefit: Their flowers attract butterflies and bees.
The Wild Tamarind tree (Lysiloma Latisiliquum) is native to south Florida.
It is a great spreading accent tree, with tiny

leaflets that fall in the spring.
It has many fragrant, round white flowers. It is shown in the photo above that was taken in Graham Park; the leaves and flowers appear in the photo below.

The seed pods are thin and dry and do not make a mess.
It can grow up to 40 feet tall, with a spread of 15-to-20 feet.
The Wild Tamarind tree requires full-to-partial sun, is drought tolerant and easy to grow.
The Japanese
Blueberry tree (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) is a beautiful evergreen tree with broad leaves.
It has a dense, compacted form, lush growth and an elegant branching pattern.
It can be used as an ornamental tree.
The Japanese Blueberry tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil.
If left to grow freely, it will rise to 40 feet, spreading to 20 feet.
As a young shrub, it can also be trained as a topiary and maintained in an attractive shape, making it ideal for a formal landscape.
Older leaves turn a brilliant red before dropping.
Scented white flowers develop into tiny ornamental, blue-black fruit that is not edible.
Shown in the photo below, the Japanese
Blueberry is planted at a Delray Beach condominium.
This tree has been overlooked for years but is making a comeback.
Remember that trees require some maintenance from time to time.
Getting Dad some new tools – inexpensive pruning clippers and a small tree saw that are easy to use -- will help him accomplish those tasks.
Happy Father’s Day!

Photos by Steve Poulson.