The native fringetree sitting in my back yard is one of my favorites. Between its lacy, ephemeral flowers and the intoxicating lilac/honeysuckle-like fragrances, it is hard to beat as a showcase specimen tree. It is finally coming into its own in size as I planted it over a dozen years ago as a thin, delicate wisp. Another reason it suits me is that it is called Old Man’s Beard, ironically appropriate. I sit next to it on a bench I built last year enjoying the moment.
