In 1998 when we had the big ice storm our Mountain Ash tree did not survive. It started to get leaves and we thought it might make it but during the course of the summer we lost most of the leaves. This was a tree that we loved in our front yard and did not want to lose it completely, so my husband & son-in-law cut off the branches and left just the trunks. As you can see it is a pitiful looking tree... hehehe
If everything works out this spring we should be able to make it look quite different. If you will click on the picture you will be able to see what we are planning to do with it. My husband saw this in a garden magazine and fell in love with the idea. Like I say, we did not want to lose the tree in the front yard so we are going to try and save it. I will take pictures after we get it done and post them in here so you can see how it turned out. I do like the idea though. Whoever came up with it should be commended for at least saving part of the tree...

UPDATE: July 1999....The tree has been planted with the "New Wave" petunias and they are doing great. We wrapped the inside of the tree with chicken wire and put a layer of moss around the sides of the wire to hold in the moisture. My husband then filled this with potting soil and planted the petunias in around the edges. The petunias are now growing and they are beginning to cascade down the sides.
A small note: There are sapplings growing from the tree limbs... this also adds to the beauty of the tree.