American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
The American beech is one of the most beautiful trees in the forest. It enjoys sun or shade and provides a dense shade below its heavy branches. This tree will ultimately reach 50 to 70 ft. in height with a spread of about the same distance. It grows native all across the Eastern United States and is known as one of the most desirable shade trees for yards.
Christina Creekmore Todd: Sardiswood Tina Tree at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Christina Creekmore Todd achieved many things in her ninety-five years. She grew up in Raleigh, and attended Peace College during which time she met her future husband, Edwin Todd. They were married in 1942.
While Tina and Ed were rearing four sons in Charlotte, she developed a keen interest in gardening with emphasis toward an oriental esthetic. Her garden evolved to include a Tea House and Koi Pond with a water-fall. A Rainbow Bridge leading to a free-standing deck invited visitors to “sit and stay a spell”.
Tina was a charter member of Sardiswood Garden Club formed by Dorothy Smith (Mrs. Arthur) in 1961. She headed many worthwhile projects, such as the rose-planted fence at Sharon Towers and “Talking Trees” at The Nature Museum. She served Sardiswood as chairman of the CPCC Horticultural Scholarship Selection Committee.
She was a founding member of Ikebana International in the United States and Charlotte Chapter #47. She chaired the Spring Show’s Ikebana display for many years. She excelled as a floral designer and was awarded countless blue ribbons.
As an active member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Tina repeatedly provided floral arrangements for the altar with flowers from her garden. She assisted with the church’s program of delivering “Meals on Wheels”.
Tina and Ed loved traveling and she continued to travel to far-away places with dear friends after Ed’s passing. Her 90th birthday was celebrated on a cruise ship by the East coast of South America. She never missed a Port of Call and she re-lived the daily excursions through her sharp memory and photographs. A journey to Japan, themed “Temples and Gardens” was her all-time favorite. She was enamored with the picturesque post-card-beauty of the impeccably groomed gardens. She realized a dream when she photographed the famous red Torii Gate at low tide. She also treasured a collection of Kokeshi dolls.
Each summer, for over forty years, her extended family spent two weeks at Sunset Beach, SC and that occasion was anticipated by Tina all year long. She recalled Ed’s remarks that they could have paid for the house with the money spent, instead of renting, but they reasoned the up-side was not having the maintenance or worries of ownership.
Tina loved to cook and whether it was for her family, bridge club, couples group or a special holiday gathering of friends and family, her table was beautifully set and a bountiful meal was served.
Tina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was also a leader, advisor, teacher, mediator, consoler, encourager, excellent gardener and accomplished floral designer. Her sense of humor served her well as she lived life with kindness and grace.
With careful consideration for a tree growing in the UNCC Botanical Gardens to be designated as a living memorial to Tina, a large twin-trunked American Beech was selected. The stately beech growing by a heavily used trail is prominently carved with initials, hearts and other messages. This tree would have spoken to Tina, as it did to those members of Sardiswood Garden Club whose privilege it was to select a suitable specimen.
American beech trees (fagus grandifolia) provide shelter and food for birds and animals, is long lived, has smooth bark, is easily distinguished in winter by its clinging amber leaves.
As a fire-wood, it is easily split and long burning. Two other little known facts; the tender spring leaves can be eaten as a salad, and the tender leaves are one of the larval food sources for the Red Spotted Purple butterfly. The tree selected is distinctive, productive, dependable and beautiful in all seasons. How could it not be the memorial tree for this very extraordinary person?
This tree is lovingly dedicated in memory of Christina Creekmore Todd (1921-2016) by the members of Sardiswood Garden Club.
