He has also made a few other friends in the neighbourhood. “I visit Fred a lot,” says the blue jay. “He has a great canopy to duck in and out of, and there are usually some tasty caterpillars about.” The robin is also a regular visitor: “I was really excited when Fred moved into the neighbourhood. I’m a big fan of eating his berries, especially in early winter when other food is becoming scarce.”
The name “Fred” is a family name, and this tree fit in so much with the Janczurs, that it only made sense. Axelle explains: “When my son was smaller he once told his new football coach that his name was Fred, so I had to call him that during practices and games. He wanted a name that he thought would help him fit in. So Fred is an “everyman’s” name.”
Axelle is awarded a lot of the credit for Fred’s success. She diligently watered Fred as per LEAF’s instructions. “I would sit with the tree several times per week,” Axelle remembers, “watering, reflecting and enjoying my garden and communing with the tree.” Find out more about hackberry trees like Fred.
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