RISING SUN REDBUD TREE 10 AUGUST 2025
While perusing meme sites on YouTube, I came across this . . . . . . and immediately became obsessed to get one for our yard, as its flowers look like this . . . . . . and are said to attract butterflies, hummingbirds & bees. Easier said than done. Oh, I found several online . . . for upwards of $150, which, for an experiment in this GROWING ZONE, was too expensive to fail. After Hurricane Milton hit in October 2024 and we replaced the fence, we also had new plantings put along the Toniwood Lane side of the fence. I also requested a new WEEPING BOTTLE BRUSH TREE to replace the one killed by the Summer 2024 drought, and a RISING SUN REDBUD TREE. Adan, from Burysek Tree Service, was not able to find one, altho he did bring along a CERCIS CANADENSIS 'Alley Cat'; its leaves look like this . . . . . . its flowers will look like this . . . . . . and are also said to attract butterflies, hummingbirds & bees. As these trees are in the same area as some CRAPE MYRTLES, I plan to install some hummingbird feeders in their vicinity.
I looked thru the internet again last week, and I found one for $72, delivered. I debated and thought and finally pressed the "ORDER" button. Delivery was promised on 12 August; it arrived on 10 August. I was thrilled, as you can imagine. The box was taller than I am, so I was anticipating there to be more than just a stick in that box . . .
Neal, Yellow Dolly & bungee cords to the rescue, again . . .
Taking it thru the house and onto the back patio . . .
Opening the box and taking out the tree . . .
I guess I should give this tree a name; how 'bout DROOPY? Droopy's been in a dark box for two days, (luckily, not four as anticipated) traveling from Tennessee to Florida. I'm sure with some water & sunshine, this tree will perk right up. I'm just pleased that the leaves are just as advertised.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS HERE