#Middlebury
By BRIDGET HENRY
A few months ago, while on a walk, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye just a few yards from the side of the road. I stopped and turned to look, but from where I was standing I could not figure out exactly what it was that had caught my attention. There was definitely something there in the grass, but I couldn’t get a clear view. With my curiosity piqued, I crossed the street, stepped up off the road and walked into the brush to investigate.
Soon enough the mystery object took shape. There in the grass was a good-sized rock with a plaque affixed to it. My mind raced with possibilities as I narrowed the distance between myself and the rock. My first thought was that perhaps this was the start of a trail and that the plaque was a dedication of some sort. At the same time, knowing a bit about the history of this part of town, I half expected to read something about General Rochambeau.
Within seconds I was close enough to read what was inscribed on the plaque. To my delight and surprise, I found that both of my guesses were totally incorrect. This was not a trail head and there was no mention of Rochambeau or his troops. Instead, this plaque marked something entirely different and something I had certainly not expected. Across the top of the plaque were the words “Cucumber magnolia.”
Although I am hardly a gardener, those two words prompted me to stop and look up. Sure enough, just a few feet from the base of the rock stood a massive monster of a tree. I assumed this was the Cucumber Magnolia referenced on the plaque even though it looked nothing like any magnolia tree I had ever known. There were no white flowers and no climbing branches within reach. Instead, this magnolia was a behemoth with a trunk I could not wrap my arms around. I found it remarkable that I hadn’t noticed this tree or this plaque before. How had I walked past this spot countless times and not noticed a thing? I read the rest of the plaque, took a few pictures and vowed to find out more about this beauty hidden right there in plain sight.
Now I imagine you are thinking that this is the part of the column where I tell you what the rest of that plaque said or why that plaque marks that very tree in the first place. And originally, I had every intention of sharing what I had uncovered. But really, what is the fun in that?
Instead I leave the tree for you to discover one day, perhaps on a walk of your own. True to my column, I will tell you only that you can find this treasure somewhere in the Middle(bury).
And so Middlebury, a Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope this year brings you welcome surprises and unexpected beauty around every corner. May you always be prepared to see things from a different perspective. And may something in each day remind you that there is always more to learn, always more to celebrate and always more to appreciate in just about everything, especially in our little town. As always, I am happy and grateful to be Somewhere in the Middle (of an in-tree-guing year) with all of you.
