The weather was perfect for an early evening tree tour in the park last week. About 30 people turned out for the walk, led by local arborist Jim Slyh and Stephanie Williams, garden supervisor. They offered tips on how to identify different conifer species such as pines, spruces and firs. Jim pointed out trees native to central Ohio and a Freeman’s Maple,  a naturally occurring hybrid between the silver and red maple varieties.

Jim and Stephanie discussed the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on park trees. Many ash trees have already been removed, but one ash is being treated and has shown a resistance to the insect devastating  public and residential trees in our area.

Plans for future educational programs in the Park of Roses are in the works. We hope to offer a pruning workshop in late winter and a spring tree walk. Check this web site for updates. You can download both the tree and shrub list and the current year’s rose list for more detailed information about plants in the park.