We managed to obtain a rare "Formosan Flame Tree" last year (koelreuteria (sp?) formosana). Relative of the goldenrain tree (which was introduced to the U.S. by Tom Jefferson himself!) but more beautiful. However, the doofy growers insist on cutting the lower limbs, making a "lollipop" tree. This year it grew so much at the top that it curves over 90 degrees. Our "tree guy" says this is perfectly fine, but we have to thin out half the proto-branches in the top after leaf drop. As expected it's shooting up some nice side branches on the side away from the droop - they'll strenghen the trunk.

Picture yourself embarking on a sunshine-morning trip through neon-green electric marshmallow fun land. You look around and everyone is all smiles as you skipetty-skip your way down a gumdrop-cobbled lane. A family of milk-chocolate bears is having a picnic under the soothing shade of a grove of lollipop trees, and as you walk across the bridge that spans the fizzy orange soda-pop river, a creamy nougat bluebird perches on your shoulder.