Sam, et al: I have a gingko that was originally purchased as a rooted
seedling by a member of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Club in 1982. I bought
it from his estate a club auction after his death in 1991. Assuming it was
planted from seed in 1980 or 1981, the tree is now 23 or 24 years old.

In its early years, it was defoliated, and the owner thought killed, twice
by late frosts -- I think they were in April -- so I have been very careful
about taking it out of winter quarters prematurely. Other than that worry,
it has caused me no concern. Until about two years ago, it had a decidedly
literati shape, and it still has a fairly thin and somewhat sinuous trunk
and few branches. In recent years, it has begun to look a little more like
a gingko. It grows leaves and new shoots only at the ends of its branches
and does not bud back along existing branches. (I have a much older, more
traditional gingko that is sprouting new leaves all over, including the
trunk.) Thank heaven it has not flowered and produced stinky fruit.

I hope you are young, as you have a long and very interesting adventure
ahead of you with your seedling. You will grow fond of it.

Edmund L. Castillo in
Western Loudoun County, VA


----- Original Message -----
From: "sam crowell"
To:
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 12:31 PM
Subject: [IBC] Stinky Adventure (ginkgo seeds found) - update

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