With the shifting weather last week, I found myself making a last minute drive up to Boyce, Virginia to photograph the ginkgo grove on the Blandy Experimental Farm. An impending rainstorm was on the move, threatening to huff and puff all the leaves off the trees. The Farm is a grounds for University level ecological research in the Shenandoah Valley and home of the State Arboretum of Virginia. They also have hands-on programs for K-12 students along with workshops, lectures, camps and tours. I have a lot of respect for places like this.
Their grove of ginkgos is particularly significant not only because it’s one of the largest collections outside the tree’s native habitat of China, but because the grove is a happy result of a science experiment and love of knowledge. In 1929, Dr. Orland E. White, the farm’s first director, began collecting seeds from a single 'mother tree' on the grounds of the University of Virginia. After the seeds germinated, he planted over 600 to determine the sex ratio of said mother tree. 301 trees survived and the ratio was proved to be very nearly 1:1, just as Dr. White had hypothesized. He did not live to see the experiment completed, but the grove lives on today, turning a magnificent gold every fall and dropping its leaves to carpet the floor below. What an amazing memorial, right?
Their grove of ginkgos is particularly significant not only because it’s one of the largest collections outside the tree’s native habitat of China, but because the grove is a happy result of a science experiment and love of knowledge. In 1929, Dr. Orland E. White, the farm’s first director, began collecting seeds from a single 'mother tree' on the grounds of the University of Virginia. After the seeds germinated, he planted over 600 to determine the sex ratio of said mother tree. 301 trees survived and the ratio was proved to be very nearly 1:1, just as Dr. White had hypothesized. He did not live to see the experiment completed, but the grove lives on today, turning a magnificent gold every fall and dropping its leaves to carpet the floor below. What an amazing memorial, right?
I was warned ahead of time that the smell would be awful (some variant of dog droppings) and to wear appropriate attire. However, I experienced no such scent during my visit. Whether it was the cool air, the slight breeze or Mother Nature’s sweet mercy, I’m not sure. Nb4, I didn't have a cold. I didn't get much of a sunset, but the leaves lit up every frame as bright as any sinking sun.
There was a family running around with a photographer and several other couples leisurely enjoying the display. Newly weds in full attire asked to take a photo in front of the Virginia is For Lovers truck I happened to be navigating. Circumstances, happenstances, being in the right place at the right time; I find joy and appreciation in these moments. Sometimes I feel like the Grinch whose heart grows a size every time I recognize how amazing life is. Then I realize my chest should have exploded some time ago, and I'm glad that's not how it works!
There was a family running around with a photographer and several other couples leisurely enjoying the display. Newly weds in full attire asked to take a photo in front of the Virginia is For Lovers truck I happened to be navigating. Circumstances, happenstances, being in the right place at the right time; I find joy and appreciation in these moments. Sometimes I feel like the Grinch whose heart grows a size every time I recognize how amazing life is. Then I realize my chest should have exploded some time ago, and I'm glad that's not how it works!
Most of the leaves have found their resting place for the year, but I’d recommending adding the ginkgo grove to your bucket list for next year. Take a family portrait. Shoot your engagement photos. Road trip with friends. Have a picnic and roll in the leaves like a kid again (while minding the fallen fruit). Don’t let this experience go unchecked.
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