Growing Acorns

Maples get all the attention in the fall, but there are plenty of other trees that put on a decent display. I'm especially fond of oak trees at any time of year. There's an oak across the street from me that never seems to drop its leaves. They're still out there, hanging on, well into early spring.

This year we had a bumper crop of acorns. One day when I went out to get the mail I was literally pelted with the little nuts, as they fell by the bucketful in the breeze. By now the squirrels have safely buried them in all my outdoor containers. Still, I think every yard should have an oak. They're long-lived and give stature to your yard. About's Guide to Landscaping breaks down the fall foliage merits of different species of oaks, to help you decide which you might like to plant.

Photo: © Marie Iannotti