It's been a few years since Karen lost her sweet dog, Zoe. But every day, "Zoe's Tree" reminds her how much she is loved and Karen smiles at the memories of good times with Zoe by her side.
The Eastern redbud [cercis canadensis] thrives in our Southern California climate and provides four seasons of interest in the garden. First to flower in winter, the bare trunk and branches burst into bloom with little pink flowers. Next come the tiny new leaves that emerge as shiny, scarlet red hearts that grow bigger and bigger. By summer, the scarlet tones down to maroon [as above] and then a deep green. Come fall, they become golden hearts dancing in the wind before they drop.
The redbud makes a great small [10-15 ft] ornamental in any garden and it's an amazing gift for any occasion, particularly to celebrate housewarmings, births, weddings and anniversaries.