More than a hedge…

My Yews (Taxus baccata) at my home were planted as shrubs. The deer loved eating them so I honestly never needed to trim them to maintain their low size. So I was surprised to learn that the interesting trees outside the Lincoln Park Zoo at the edge of the Conservatory’s garden were also Yew. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg
What caught my attention to this grove of Yew were the smooth twisted trunks. Each tree twisted uniquely creating a natural sculpture garden. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg
How does nature decide to grow in such twisted patterns? Read more about Yew here. Though most of the Yew is poisonous, the “aril” red berry around the seed is a favorite of animals. So I am confused why the deer that visited my yard were uneffeccted dining on my Yew regularly?! They ate the greens as well as the berries; Their eating was during winter months so perhaps a little poisonous diet served to keep them alive when all other foods were unavailable?! Choices Read more here. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg!
Lining up at the Yew feeding trough. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg

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