Growing Up

All the branches looked like these furry interior ones
16 months ago when it was planted.

It couldn't be a pine tree.  I've lived amongst pine trees.  They have clusters of needles, two, three, four, five, etc.  This little Italian Stone Pine about to be planted in my front yard had needles all around the branches. It looked more like a fir or even maybe a blue spruce.

She is about three feet tall.

But the label on the trunk said it was a pine.  At some point Things I get to do today include understanding that tiny conifers like this start out with needles all over their branches.  It takes a couple of years before the needles differentiate into distinct numbers and clusters.

This year's new growth is not shy.  This will be a strong tree!

This lovely tree is no longer a baby.  It has sprouted out its grown-up needle clumps and is ready to shoot out significant growth for this coming year.  Years from now it will have pine nuts and be a charming umbrella over that corner of the yard.  Life is about developing patience with pineapple and pine trees.