h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been after a native tree for the garden for a while now, and, after seeing the spectacular hawthorns on the coast path this autumn, decided I had to have one. I've struggled to find one locally, but was on a mission firth thing this morning. I finally found one at the third garden centre I went to, and rushed home to plant it.

I've sorted out a nice quiet corner now, with the hawthorn in the middle and a few heathers and gorses around it, and am going to build some small insect habitats in the area as well. All I need now is the spring; I'm really excited about that part, as the bit adjacent is packed with bulbs (thanks to Venus!), so it should be quite a sight.

I wanted to give my tree a good, friendly name, too. At 11am this morning, I'd just finished digging and was ready to plant it, so I decided to call it 'Frank'

If you want to see before and after photos of Frank and his new home, they're on my photo page at http://skankyrich.fotopic.net/c1148123.html

Nice choice. I like the hawthorns. You can eat the leaves you know, but they taste like slit.

*whispers to the tree* Welcome Frank, may you be a sturdy as your namesake </>

That was a wonderful idea Rich

Now I have an image of a tree saying "It's the way I tell 'em." I think I'd better get some sleep one day soon

*twigs* (no pun intended)

Ah - it's that Frank. *phew*

Its a lovely idea Rich; according to my Herbal Magick (with a "k") compendium it's ruiled by Mars and is an herbe of love; so its a very fitting memorial.

When was the last time you had sleep, Alex?

]

*static* *hummmm* *whirrrrr* *click*

Alex is not here at the moment - please leave a message.

*beep*

The flowers of the May, lovely, as are the red berries left on the tree at the end of the year after the leaves have fallen.
You will be cursing the thorns mind when you try and prune it. At least I do when trying to cut back the hawthorn hedge at the back of the garden!

Excellent for making a cow-proof hedge though! Hoof punctures needn't be a problem for the pond liner now.

Is Frank deep red, yellow or wishy-washy red?

You should have a marvllous insect and bird feeding sanctuary in your garden.
well done

AR1

Hurrah!! I'm glad you managed to track one down Rich
Ummmm...but i thought you would have named it Basil!!

Hawthorns are

We planted one a few years ago - Crataegus laevigata Paul's Scarlet - which is a double red.

Nice tribute Rich. I look forward to seeing your garden grow!

Time is f lying so perhaps Spring will come quickly...please....

Websailor

I love you, Rich

I've tried to find a decent photo on the internet of the version I have, but the best image is about 50x50 pixels. You'll just have to wait a year or so Or come and visit...

I didn't know the magic(k) connection Evadne, but it does make it very fitting. For those of you unaware, Frank was the name of Galaxy Babe's father, who was cremated today at the same time that I planted the tree.

Sorry, Annie, I didn't see that post. Love you too

I was'nt aware of the significance of the name.
What a lovely thing to do

Neither was I. Sorry to hear that, GB.

Thank you My lovely Dad was very proud of me and he loved H2G2 as well. He liked to read the front page entries even though he didn't always post, he usually mentioned them to me. The tribute on <./>thepost</.> front page is very touching and I'll tell my Mother tomorrow.