Today we visited Montpelier, home of Dolly and James Madison in Orange, Virginia. Although I love Monticello, I had wanted to visit Montpelier for the gardens, but hadn’t been able to until today.
Cedar of Lebanon
This Cedar of Lebanon tree was brought to Montpelier in 1824 by the Marquis De Lafayette as seedlings in November of 1824 and given to James Madison as a gift. It was planted just outside the garden wall, that stands at the entrance to the formal gardens. It is just shy of 188 years old, and has grown through those 188 years to the picture above. I wonder what it will look like after 800 years, which is how old this elm tree is in the corner of a cemetery in Beauly, Scotland.
800 year old Elm Tree, Beauly, Scotland
I asked how they knew it was 800 years old (skeptic that I was), and the tour guide said they had maps dating back 800 years of the cemetery that included the tree in every map. If trees could talk, imagine what they could tell you about what they’ve seen and heard. Growth through wars, peace, first kisses, marriages, burials, children, pets, sun, rain, droughts, snow, ice and only they know what else. Some legacy, don’t you think?
Wow!
:-)
Wow – how beautiful!
They were really something to see. So graceful…
I love history. Thanks for the interesting info and great pictures.
You are welcome! First time I’d heard that particular spiel, and I’ve been there several times.
Those trees are quite spectacular!
Thanks! I thought the Lebanon tree was so beautiful. The Elm I thought looked it’s age. :-)
800!!!! Wow! They are so beautiful, especially the Cedar of Lebanon!
The Cedar of Lebanon tree had the prettiest canopy–very lacy and light.
What exquisite trees – and so old. I am impressed!
I thought the Cedar was very attractive–a lacy canopy of green. The elm looked like it had been around awhile!
I like your tree photos. Nice post :)
Thanks! I wish I’d had a wide angle. Even with full frame I couldn’t get all the tree.
I want to talk to some of these trees …
Me too!
These are magnificent trees… Beautiful shots. :-)
Thank you! They really are something amazing to see!
It’s supposed to be the cedar that is on the Lebanese flag. No wonder why, just look at it.
I remember reading an archaeological paper that stated that King Herrod’s castle made considerable use of cedars imported from Lebanon.
It is an amazing tree type. The canopy is very lacy looking–really pretty and diffuse.
Great photo!!! I was viewing your post with my daughter, throughchristinaseyes, and she asked how old was the oldest tree in the world. We found this link about the oldest living tree found in Sweden. We thought that we would share the link with you! http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080414-oldest-tree.html.
Wow! Thanks for sharing the link–I looked at it with my hubby and son and we were all very impressed! Thanks for stopping by!
Trees are a wonderful gift in this world. The Cedar of Lebanon is beautiful! These photos remind me of a beautiful tree in the Alamo in Texas. It is pretty old as well, and they built the walls around it.
I love when they build around the tree so it can go on being older and older…
Isn’t it amazing? I’ve been studying/touching/being with trees lately; yesterday, some beautiful 5-700 yr old oaks at Blenheim. Have you ever heard of the one tree project? I’m a big fan. :)
I didn’t, but read about it since you mentioned it! What a great thing! Thanks for the education!
Thank you for telling me about it. I had heard of it but didn’t know what it was so I looked it up! What a wonderful project!
I’m about 800-years-old too. I can tell you what happened back then over cocktails.
I can’t wait! :-)
Amazing!
also, lol at Robin’s comment!
Hehe! True…