Measuring 115.55 meters (379 feet) high, a redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) named Hyperion is the tallest tree in the world. Discovered in 2006 in the Redwood National Park in California, this giant probably aged nearly 800 years is raising 22 m (72 ft) above the famous Statue of Liberty! However, the title of the tallest tree ever measured goes to a eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans) found in 1872 in Australia. Although this is disputed by some experts, this giant was 132.6 m (435 ft) high. After a fire which make this tree fall to the ground, it seems it was easier to take measurements.

The introduction picture is showing a view of the General Sherman giant sequoia (photo : Jim Bahn).

I met this summer several people who have been affected by poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). When I was talking with these people, I’ve realized that most of them have no idea what this plant looks like and how they have come into contact with it. Seeing the confusion about this poisonous plant, I decided to go hunting for poison ivy ! So I went to see my friend Philippe Mollé and helped him get rid of this unwanted grass that has literally invaded his land.

On the introduction picture you can see the foliage of poison ivy. It is strangely reminiscent of boxelder maple (Acer negundo) leaves.

Road infrastructures are generally quite unsightly and poorly integrated into the urban environment. One of the most effective ways to integrate these huge masses of concrete is certainly to accompany them or to cover them with plants. Here are some interesting ideas to make the future Champlain Bridge greener. I hope these ideas will inspire engineers and architects working on the creation of this new bridge. On the introduction picture, you can see the concept of a green bridge created by Italian designer Angelo Tomaivolo and his team.

The Garden of the Future is an original landscape I’ve created and which is permanently installed in the Daniel A. Séguin Garden in Saint-Hyacinthe since June 14, 2014. Don’t miss to visit it this summer!