Amber Glow™ Dawn Redwood (Metasequoiaglyptostroboides ‘WAH-08AG’)
Dr. Davis’ tree (example of mature tree)
Dawn Redwood is a truly grand tree that can grow to 100 feet tall or more. This tree is native to China and was once thought to be extinct. The cones are round and quite striking in their appearance. In the fall the colors of this beauty really stand out.
Dr. Edward Davis
“Memories of gardening with Dad”
by Edward Davis, Jr.
My father, Dr. Edward Davis, shared his love of botany with me on our hikes during my childhood. He pointed out wildflowers we came across and identified it by scientific and common name. I’m sure that these formative experiences were a large part of what led me to become a landscape architect.
Dad’s love of growing his own fresh vegetables drove him to produce an oversized vegetable garden every summer. And when he ran out of space in the acquired lot adjacent to our house he simply bought more property. We visited the “Red Hill Farm” at least weekly during the summer to tend his extended vegetable garden. My brother and I complained about working the red clay garden in blistering hot sun, yet we anticipated the reward of ice cream at McCracken’s country store on our drive home.
Dad retired in 2008, after 49 years of medical service, to devote himself to his passion: cultivating both vegetable and flower gardens. Throughout his life, he had a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and his native Blue Ridge Mountains. Dr. Davis looked forward to attending The Cullowhee Native Plant Conference at Western Carolina University. He attended at least 25 consecutive conferences.
I chose the Amberglow™ Dawn Redwood as a memorial because this is a unique tree grown by Head-Lee Nursery, a favorite of Dad’s near his home in South Carolina. Dawn Redwood was once thought to be extinct, but is now a treasure in the American garden. Different than other varieties bearing bright yellow foliage, it remains golden instead of browning in the hot sun.
