Written by Samuel Phineas Upham.
In Audubon Park, there is a special tree that seems to have a romantic air about it. Nicknamed “The Tree of Life,” the tree has great branches that easily cover a wedding party. As a result, the park is a local favorite for short wedding ceremonies and picnics. You won’t find any signs or markings noting the tree is of any significance, but you can’t possibly miss its grand stature.
Considered one of the oldest trees in the park, The Tree of Life has a huge thicket of roots at the base, with massive branches that extend overhead. It’s part of an installation in the city known as “The Labyrinth,” which is a garden path built inside the park. The tree is very close to the giraffe pens in the zoo, so visitors can sometimes spot the long-necked giraffes rising above the canopy.
Local legend holds that the tree was planted as a gift from a plantation owner to his wife. Couples choose the tree for this reason, hoping that the gift of love will rub off on their relationship. The tree is located on East Drive, near the labyrinth installation. The labyrinth was meant as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, where visitors can walk and speak their intentions for the future. The place is like a gift to visitors, a place where one can meditate in nature.
Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Samuel Phineas Upham website