There’s nothing wrong with having a tree for a friend. ~Bob Ross, The Joy of Painting
I read somewhere that the average height of an NBA player in 2022-23 was 6 feet 6 inches.
Would you believe that’s exactly the height of my once-tiny Tiny Tree?
More formally known as an Eastern Juniper (or Red Cedar), this tree made its first appearance in my backyard in late 2020 (AKA Pandemic Year). It’s not in a location I’d have chosen, but perhaps the bird who “planted” it had a better idea.
At least it’s in a fairly sheltered site and seems happy with its surroundings.
Way back then, I tied a jaunty red piece of yarn around its tiny trunk, hoping to brighten its spirits for the holidays while warming it from the cold to come.
Today, Tiny Tree is so big that I can no longer find its scarf.
Maybe it will hold still for some colorful bows and Christmas ornaments as the holidays near?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
We have one of these growing too. I didn’t know what it is. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I was blown away at how fast the thing is growing! I mean, it seems like one day, it was just a couple of inches tall, and now, it’s way taller than I can reach. Guess it’s in the perfect spot.
My goodness ~ how that tree has grown! I think a few Christmas decorations would be just the ticket. Or, you could hang some of those stars and bells made of birdseed, and please the birdies while you’re decorating for the season. It sure does look healthy!
Linda, I’m simply amazed when I look at it now! Best of all, it really hasn’t required my hovering over it with fertilizer, water hose, and other what I’d consider necessities for healthy growth. And it’s just minding its own business! I like the idea of putting birdseed out for the wee ones, especially as winter nears — thank you!
Wow, Debbie, I remember (I tied a jaunty red piece of yarn around its tiny trunk) when you first planted this tree back in 2020, and I am sooooo impressed with how much it’s grown!
And yes, I can so see it decorated with some colorful bows and ornaments this holiday. Do share if you do!
Hope you’re enjoying a fantastic weekend, my friend. We finally got some cooler fall weather this past week. Yahooooooooooooo!
Happy Sunday to you and Monkey! X
Isn’t it miraculous, Ron, how Nature takes care of things like this once-tiny tree? I hit it with water every now and then, but other than that, it really hasn’t expected much from me. It’s almost as if it’s decided I have enough on my plate without bothering about it, too, ha!
I think you (and everybody who made similar suggestions) are right: Tiny Tree would look most festive with bows, tinsel, wee ornaments, and so forth as the holidays approach. Thanks for helping me doll him up for the winter season.
We’ve had a mostly dreary, rainy weekend — but you’re right in that it’s definitely cooler. I’m glad we were able to share that coolness with you! xx
Tiny no more is right! And fast growing as well. What a nice gift, however it got there.
Thanks, Laurie. I noticed another one of these trees in the yard of one of my neighbors (I guess the birds were busy that year!), but they did some landscaping and cut it down. So “Tiny” might be in the wrong location here, but at least he’s alive and thriving!
It will be fun to decorate during the holidays! It would be pretty with a dusting of snow, too – do you ever get any?
Kelly, I’m in Central Illinois, so yes, we do get snow. And you’re right: this tree will look exceptional with white on its branches! I’m going to have trouble reaching its top, but I’ll figure out something. Maybe I should add a star or big bow now, as fast as it’s growing?!?
Your eastern juniper is looking so happy and healthy! Six feet in just three years… Isn’t it wonderful having a tree right outside to connect with every day? Can you see it from inside looking out any of your windows? I hope you will share pictures if you decide to decorate it for the holidays. What a perfect Christmas tree. 🙂
What a lovely thing to say, Barbara — thank you. As a matter of fact, this tree is right outside my office window, so I can check on it throughout the day when I get up to stretch my legs or rest my eyes from sitting at a computer. When it first showed up, I had no intention of letting it stay there — it seemed like a rather awkward location for an evergreen — but why mess with a good thing? And you’ve got to admit, it’s healthy!
I’m so glad you have this tree for a friend!
Trees are easy friends, as I’m sure you’re aware. They don’t argue, criticize, or complain; they only ask you to feed and water once in a while, or to pick bugs off them. They’re definitely not divas, ha!
I think it would love some tinsel and ornaments. If you decide to do that it will make a super holiday post.
Thanks for the encouragement, John. I know you’re right, and this tree will be beautiful, especially if we get a bit of snow. I’d probably better start looking now for wee ornaments and bows though — its branches don’t look like they’ll hold much weight.
Nice light plastic ornaments would be great,
Good suggestion — thank you!
😊
Looking happy!
I think it is, Eliza! It certainly seems to be healthy, too. Who’d have thought it would even grow in that location?
What a delightful gift for you and Monkey to enjoy all year round! And certainly it would be fun to decorate for the holiday ahead!! I’m sure Monkey would be happy to assist you, Debbie. 🌲🎄
Oh TD, you don’t really think Monk would be any help at all, do you?? Why, he’d snatch the ornaments and bows right out of the bag, then race around the yard with them in his mouth, hoping I’d give chase. I can see what a nightmare that might be, especially in the snow!! He’s still got a LOT of “puppy” in him, ha!
Oh you’re so funny, Debbie! I suppose Monkey will have to stay inside to help you from there. I can hear him know thinking up a post of “mama taking away his fun”!
Please don’t get discouraged, Debbie. Because we all will be looking forward to seeing Tiny Tree becoming the most beautiful tree of the year!🎄
Oh, indeed — “Chase” is one of his very favorite games, particularly if it involves Mama! I think you’re right about “Tiny” making a beautiful holiday tree. If I can get him decorated before the snows fall, that will be ideal!
It’s not tiny anymore, but I bet it would look great all decked out for Christmas!
I think it would, too!!
Good heavens, it’s growing fast! I wonder what height it will eventually reach!
I wonder that, too. Perhaps I should’ve moved it, when it was tiny, to a better location — but then, it might not have grown at all.