Limits

We were treated to a freezing fog December 2013 that was followed by a gloriously clear day.  I suspect it was a weekend and we had nothing scheduled, so we spent some time walking around looking for interesting photo opportunities.  The two mature ash trees on our farm reside South of the old barn and just far enough from the road that road crews and line workers have never seen a need to take chunks off of them.  It just so happened that the best seed production year for the ashes had just concluded and they were still reluctant to release them, clutching them as if they were afraid to allow their babies to find their own way in the world.  This resulted in a chance for these seeds to be dressed in hoarfrost so the farmers could come out and appreciate what nature can do.

We had another chance to take pictures of hoarfrost on the farm a few days ago as well - and we didn't go out to admire as we normally might do.  Did we acknowledge the beauty?  Of course we did.  But, the energy to do more than that wasn't available.  It's our loss, as I am certain Mother Nature is secure in the knowledge that she dresses up well whether we say so or not.

For a moment, I even thought it might be nice to recognize the hoarfrost with a post on our blog.  Again, I suspect the inhabitants of this world went about their business just fine without a writing and photo contribution from me.  I did, however, start to wonder.  Why is it that we have only seen seed pods hanging on these trees in December only two or three times since we arrived at the farm?  Trees are known to have cycles when it comes to seed production, often responding to seasonal extremes.  For an ash tree, which is wind pollinated, drier conditions during flowering is probably a good thing.  Well, that fit 2013, which may explain the extremely good production.

I also figure that trees have limits as to how much energy they have to expend over a given season.  They can expend that energy on root development, seed production, etc etc.  Conditions may expand or contract those limits and they may also influence how the energy is spent.  For example, if conditions are such that the plant might feel its time is nearing an end, it may increase the amount of energy it spends on seed production to perpetuate its kind.

I take some solace in the idea that one indication of productivity rarely gives the whole picture.  Our limits may prevent us from accomplishing the fanciest of achievements every time out.  Sometimes the energy is going to the roots.