Graphic Design by Diane Hayden, Computer Creations 4u

Items that caught our attention:  

• Monarch butterfly, eggs, caterpillar and the milkweed host plant
• Kelsey’s hardy American plants that kept blooming thru mid to late July;
• Six new benches;
• Kelsey Kindred Board meeting in outside room;
• Pruning, as each species ends blooming and before the next year’s buds set;
• BTA/BOLT’s Hemlock Junction.  Forest storage will be reviewed in a later Arbor News.

Monarch Butterflies

The “ugly” milkweed plant must be planted. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly lays white eggs on the underside of the milkweed leaf? Upon emerging, the caterpillar begins to eat the leaf which contains the ingredients to give the Monarch caterpillar its beautiful green, white, and black lines. The caterpillar’s distinctive markings warn predators to stay away because the monarch is poisonous. Thus, the milkweed plant is necessary for the survival of the beautiful monarch butterfly.

The diagonal trail leading from the Arboretum to the Rail bed will be a perfect place to sow the milkweed pods/seeds. Perhaps some seeds will land in the Arboretum.

Hardy Plants

Due to the heavy spring rains, Harlan P. Kelsey’s hardy azaleas, rhododendron, and mountain laurel shrubs bloomed well into July. Hope you all took many opportunities to visit the Arboretum this spring and summer. The Rosebay Rhododendron was the last to bloom What a display it was throughout the Arboretum.

 Rosebay Rhododendron

Six new benches were donated and placed around the Arboretum, for your sitting and viewing pleasure.

Kelsey Kindred

September 7, the Kelsey Kindred Board and families came to their kin’s Arboretum to hold their annual Board meeting in the lovely outdoor room. These dedicated Kelsey relatives are keeping the Kelsey name alive. If you know a Kelsey, chances are they are related to Boxford’s and Salem’s Harlan P. Kelsey. Tell them about this genealogy group and also the Kelsey Arboretum. Both need members.

Pruning

Pruning is important every year. Anyone wishing to learn pruning, please volunteer at the Arboretum. As each species finishes blooming, pruning is necessary – you may be amazed to discover many lost plant name plates hidden under the branches that are forever stretching out into the paths for more space and sunshine.

Our best wishes and congratulations to BTA/BOLT and all the contributors who supported protecting this small parcel left from HP Kelsey’s 500 acre Nursery to provide a place where users of two major trails can rest and meet and then walk/bike the Bay Circuit trail or Border To Boston Rail Trail (East Coast Greenway.)

The Arboretum is HPK’s gift to the future.

This will be the last Arbor News for 2019.  Please renew your membership for 2020. Thank you if you have already done so.