chestnut tree

my favourite tree is the chestnut. it's tiny bat wing leaves unfurling in the spring. it's glorious candelabra flowers. it's cathedral-like shade in summer. it's medieval weapon conkers in the fall splitting open to reveal the deep chestnut brown of it's nut.
i've always loved the art of 18th century british water colourist samuel palmer and especially the chestnut tree, the flock of sheep sleeping under it's boughs. two years ago we bought a tiny (12") chestnut tree and last year it doubled in size (almost as big as our rhubarb now!). we will patiently watch it grow.