A Broadleaf Linden in Southern California

A young linden -- "an incontestable symbol of resurrection."
Jean Giono



It's probably not right to have one favorite tree in a garden -- you know, because the others might become jealous. But it's hard for me not to love a young linden that I planted five years ago. I favor this tree because it represents a long-awaited renewal in my life.

The above quote from Jean Giono's The Man Who Planted Trees has been with me for many years. So, when our house was finally completed, I set out several linden trees near our new home to honor this rebirth. I planted a few silver-leaf lindens, which I thought would thrive here, and for a lark, I planted one broadleaf linden, a Tilia platyphyllos. And to confirm that I really don't know anything about the nature of plants, the silver-leaf lindens are barely holding on while the broadleaf linden is thriving. It was supposed to be the other way around.

The blooms on the broadleaf linden are incredibly beautiful and fragrant. It makes my day to pick peaches and figs, and then eat them under the small canopy of this young tree. The gift of fruit and fragrance, combined with the sound of wind rustling the firm deep-green leaves, reminds me that there is a loving presence that surrounds us all. How can it be otherwise?