grandma elm

Yesterday the park made the announcement that Grandma Elm has contracted Dutch Elm Disease and could not be saved. She would have to be cut down the next day. Last night I went out to snap a few photos before it was too late. Today I went back to see grandma elm and it was already down.

Temp 23ºC and sunny.

 

There she is just as beautiful as can be. Grandma Elm is estimated to be over 200 years old.

 

When I arrived a number of people were also there with the same idea as me, to take a few photos while they still can.
In the background you can see the pavilion.

 

Standing at the base of Grandma Elm looking up.

 

One of the trade marks of Grandma Elm is the huge crack in the middle. This part is hollowed out in the middle.

 

Looking down into the centre of Grandma.

 

Some close up detail of the crack.

 

Same shot only further away.

 

I wonder what lived in here.

 

The next morning when I arrived the local media vans were already there…

 

…and Grandma Elm was already cut down.

 

The workers were already removing the limbs.

 

It’s nice to see that the park put the legend of Grandma Elm sign back out for today.

 

The Legend of Grandma Elm.
Click on the photo for a larger view.

 

Close up view of her rings.

 

Local media was interviewing park officials and bystanders including yours truly.
In the background you can see the billboards advertising the park.

 

This one is about the Nature Playground. I still have to do a posting about that.

 

I found this one interesting. What is a Heavy Horse Centre and where is it going?

 

If they bring back Aunt Sally’s Farm it will be very popular. People still talk about it.
Expedition Asia is also very intriguing

 

It’s nice to see that they added a decal on the side of the regular bus so you can tell what it is.

 

It’s been a while since I posted a photo of the Pavilion. The last one was in the winter.

 

This little guy is new to the park since my last visit.

 

Flag on top of the pavilion.

 

By the time I made it back to the back of the park most of the branches were cut off of Grandma Elm.

 

It is with a heavy heart that the city says goodbye to the old tree.

She was nearing the end of her time and the disease that she contracted does easily spread to other elms. I do hope that the park is able to plant a new tree in her place and puts up a sign in her memory. 

Until next time…