The Red Notebook

Before planting

After planting

I have just planted what shall henceforth be known as the Darwin Bicentennial Oak in my garden.

Darwin explained how the whole of life on earth can be represented by a magnificent tree. What better tribute to the great man could there be on the 200th anniversary of his birth, therefore, than to plant a magnificent (albeit rather short) English oak? (Apart from making a donation to build a replica of HMS Beagle, obviously.)

Who knows, in another 1,000 years, perhaps the Darwin Bicentennial Oak will have grown in stature to rival the majestic oaks of the great Wild Wood which once covered this fair island.

Or perhaps it will perish in the winter snows, or fall foul of woodpeckers, or contract a deadly disease.

Any of these results would be rather appropriate.

See also: A straggly bush