Rewilding My Lot

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a small tree that I planted in 2024. It seemed to be settling in, but then failed to grow new leaves the next spring. I thought it was dead, but a few weeks later it started new growth from the ground and by the end of its season it was almost the same size as when I bought it (11 inches vs. 14 inches).

Therefore, I had greater confidence that this young tree would survive the winter, although I did protect it with mulch, watering, and a bucket cover on the coldest nights.

Sure enough, there are some healthy looking leaves this spring, and even its very first blooms.

This tree is so small that were it not for its red blooms, it would be hard to see in the garden. Certainly once the tall Standing Cypress that surround it start to grow taller, in a few weeks it will be hidden. However, this is an understory tree that likes a partly shaded environment, so that will actually suit it well while it is still young and vulnerable.