Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Princess’ (Dogwood) 

This beautiful three-season understory tree is grafted on Cornus kousa rootstock, which makes is more resistant to anthracnose, a common disease among native dogwoods (destructive fungus appearing on leaves and twigs). In spring, it reliably delivers a spectacular flower show with snow-white blossoms four inches across. The flowers are replaced by berries that persist through winter and provide food for birds. In the fall, leaves turn burgundy-bronze with red and orange highlights, making it one of America’s favorite full-season landscape trees. 

An American Indian legend reveals the story of a young and beautiful Cherokee princess who was slain by a jealous lover for not returning his affections. As she lay dying under a dogwood tree, she used the flower petals to restrict the flow of blood from her wounds, to no avail. It is believed that the tip of each dogwood flower now bears a red blemish in her honor. 

The Phoenix, photographed at Big Sur, California.  An ancient symbol of eternal life, the Phoenix is a mythical bird. Often depicted as a bird of prey, it is also associated with the rising sun. According to legend, every thousand years when the Phoenix senses that its life is coming to an end, it builds itself a funeral pyre made from cinnamon and other aromatic materials and allows itself to be consumed by fire, only to rise again from its own ashes. 

The Phoenix, photographed at Big Sur, California. 

An ancient symbol of eternal life, the Phoenix is a mythical bird. Often depicted as a bird of prey, it is also associated with the rising sun. According to legend, every thousand years when the Phoenix senses that its life is coming to an end, it builds itself a funeral pyre made from cinnamon and other aromatic materials and allows itself to be consumed by fire, only to rise again from its own ashes. 

Krampus, A Christmas Legend

Krampus Day is associated with Christmas and is a part of Hungarian and Austrian folklore. “Krampus” is from the Germanic word “krampen” which means “claw.” According to legend, Krampus is a demon who travels with St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve, and while Santa delivers presents to the good little children, the cruel Krampus terrorizes bad children with his fearsome presence. Illustrations of Krampus often depict him with a basket on his back (presumably to haul naughty children back to his lair), and a willow branch for swatting.

December 5th is Krampus Day throughout much of Europe, and on the days surrounding Krampus Day, young men dress up in costume and roam the streets in chains, jangling loud, rusty bells, waving willow branches, and frightening children into good behavior before the arrival of St. Nicholas.  

So move over, Mr. Scrooge: there’s another ghostly tale in town for Christmas.