A Most Spectacular Tree

I regularly walk my dogs around Laurelhurst Park. It is a beautiful neighborhood park with huge old-growth trees, a variety of native trees, plants and flowers. There is a pond with ducks, turtles and the occasional blue heron. There are paths that wind around and within, up and down. Each season boasts its own unique beauty highlighted by the abundant flora and fauna. It is an awesome park.

I am quite familiar with all the paths in this park as well as some hidden beauty—specifically, the magic tree of honor. This tree is located on the north side of the park that runs horizontal to Ankeny Street. It is the dirt path that winds its way through the trees between two paved paths. To see this tree, take the red brick steps 1/3 of the way down from Ankeny street, turn right onto the dirt path and follow it for several yards. This amazing tree will be to your right.

I first noticed this special tree in 1998. It is an incredibly tall, ancient, regal tree. When you look up, you can’t even see the top—that is how tall it is!  When you look down at the base of the trunk you see there is a hollow area about the size of a big watermelon.  

It is this hollow area that first caught my attention 15 years ago. What I noticed was a simple arrangement of twigs, flowers and stones. I was instantly charmed. A couple weeks later I paid the tree another visit. You can imagine my pleasure when I saw that there was a new arrangement of flowers and leaves displayed. 

One day I brought my young daughter to visit this tree. She was delighted by the magic and the mystery. Who was doing the decorating? Why? Was more than one person creating this beauty? Could we add to it? 

After the death of our beloved dog Daisy, one of the ways my daughter wanted to memorialize her was to spread some of her ashes in Laurelhurst Park, specifically in the magical hollow base of this tree. Together we created a beautiful little memorial with flowers, stones, a sprinkle of Daisy’s ashes and a small scroll with words of love.

Because I know what cremated remains look like, I can tell you that there have been other people who have honored thier loved ones in a similar fashion here.

If you have the opportunity, visit the tree and if you are so inclined, leave a little something special and become part of the magic.