What are circus trees?

What are circus trees?

The Circus Trees were originally grown and created by Axel Erlandson, born in 1884 to Swedish parents. This botanical adventure began in Hilmar, CA a little before Axel’s daughter, Wilma, was born in 1928. The “Four-Legged Giant”, four Sycamore saplings grafted into a 6 foot square cupola, was his first major project.

Where are Circus trees?

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme
Today, you can see the “circus trees” at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. Planted in different areas of the 536-acre park, the trees are part of founder Bonfante’s vision to inspire and educate young people about the natural world around them.

Who was Axel Erlandson and why he was famous for trees?

To create the “Basket Tree”, Erlandson planted six sycamore trees in a circle, topped them all at one foot, then approach-grafted them together one to another to form the diamond patterns. For the first 8 feet (2.4 m) he left an opening at the top. This specimen today is featured as the centerpiece of Gilroy Gardens.

What did Gilroy Gardens used to be called?

Bonfante Gardens
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (formerly known as Bonfante Gardens) is a garden themed family theme park in Gilroy, California, United States. The park has 40+ rides and attractions.

Why do trees grow together?

Inosculation is a natural phenomenon in which trunks, branches or roots of two trees grow together. Once the cambium of two trees touches, they sometimes self-graft and grow together as they expand in diameter.

What trees are good for sculpting?

Tree sculpting is done with a variety of tree types. Some of the best evergreens to use include box, cypress, and yew. However, evergreen species such as rosemary, holly, and box honeysuckle are used with great success.

Can you train tree branches?

Altering the structure of the tree is known as “Tree Training”. This is a much better way to develop an alternate form for your tree. Training has not been around for very long. Through tying down branches or propping them up from the ground, one can direct the growth of the tree to take whatever shape they want.

Who owns Knott’s Berry Farm?

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Knott’s Berry Farm/Owners

Who is the owner of Gilroy Gardens?

City of Gilroy
The 536-acre theme park (217 ha) is owned by the city of Gilroy and managed by Cedar Fair, and it features over 40 rides and attractions….Gilroy Gardens.

Coordinates 37°0′19″N 121°37′41″WCoordinates: 37°0′19″N 121°37′41″W
Owner City of Gilroy, California
Operated by Cedar Fair
Opened July 2001
Attractions

Can 2 trees become 1?

Inosculation is a natural phenomenon in which trunks, branches or roots of two trees grow together. Once the cambium of two trees touches, they sometimes self-graft and grow together as they expand in diameter. Inosculation customarily results when tree limbs are braided or pleached.

Can two fruit trees grow in one hole?

The most common fruit trees used for this are peaches, plums, pluots and apples. In the shared hole (trees planted 18 to 24 inches apart), two to four fruit trees of the same general type are planted together. For instance, an early, mid and late peach (three trees) might be planted together.

Who is the creator of the circus trees?

The Circus Trees were originally grown and created by Axel Erlandson, born in 1884 to Swedish parents. During his early years he grew up in Minnesota but by age 17 his family had moved to the Hilmar Colony near Turlock, CA. Erlandson taught himself land surveying, among other skills.

How many circus trees are still alive at Gilroy Gardens?

More than 20 municipal, county and state agencies were involved in the permitting process and the ultimate move to their final home at Bonfante Gardens Theme Park, now known as Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. There are 25 Circus Trees still alive today.

Where did Axel Erlandson make the circus trees?

Erlandson taught himself land surveying, among other skills. If he had continued with this line of work, the Circus Trees may have never existed. This botanical adventure began in Hilmar, CA a little before Axel’s daughter, Wilma, was born in 1928.