Green leaves and dead leaves of the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) in Victoria Park, Cardiff, in June
The first half of June has been changeable here in Cardiff. We have had cool days and warm days, damp days and sunny. All this has been good for nature and gardens.
There was a strong breeze as I set out to visit the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) in Cardiff’s Victoria Park this week, but the clouds were clearing.
On this visit the poplar was looking green but I did spot some small damage from gales towards the end of May. Here are my pictures…
The poplar from outside the western side of the park
Top of the tree
There is still a patch of leaves of a lighter green than the rest
Most of the leaves are emerald…
…and diamond-shaped
These leaves don’t know what shape they are supposed to be yet
The sycamore sheltering at the base of the poplar is flourishing
I do love that strong trunk…
…from any direction
This damaged bark reminds me of Groot…
Sentient tree character Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
A small branch has been tucked into the railing beside the poplar but I don’t know if it found its own way there
It looks like the late May storms broke off a big branch, which reminds me of a crab’s claw…
…fiddler crab
I always find this lump on the base of the tree fascinating…
…but this time its skin seems to have been damaged – perhaps by the falling branch?
Now it reminds me of a tortoise’s head – picture by Court Whelan on The Nature Photographer website
Well, that’s quite enough for now. I expect I will run out of things to say next month as summer rolls on and nothing much changes.
You can find my previous Lombardy poplar postings here…
See you again in July…
The Squirrelbasket 
With some imagination there are many animal images hiding in the tree. In the second tree trunk photo it looks like someone has carved part of the trunk into the shape of a slightly sleepy owl.
Oh yes! Faces everywhere!
Thank you for using your imagination 🙂
it’s a lovely tree and I like the way you’re sharing the images you see in the trunk
Juliet
http://craftygreenpoet.blogspot.com
Thank you for your kind words.
I think it’s a natural human thing to see faces everywhere…
All the best 🙂
Love the comparisons. Particularly with Groot – I’m a big fan!
Not sure if I prefer baby Groot or old Groot…
Thank you for recognising the reference.
Best wishes 🙂
I think the trunk is the most appealing part of this tree! especially in the 9th and 10th photos (strong trunk … from any direction)
I think that’s what first attracted me – such character.
Thank you for visiting 🙂
The wind can cause a surprising amount of damage to trees, especially at this time of year when they are in full leaf. It’s interesting to see that much lighter patch of leaves. xx
Yes, I was wondering if they are Lammas leaves? Except that late flush isn’t until July or August…
I dread the wind more than rain, as we are overhung by very tall, leaning ash trees.
As you say, it’s worse when the wind can’t pass through the bare branches.
All the best 🙂