Do you recognize the bark of this tree? It is from the beautiful Crape Myrtle Tree, sometimes spelled as Crepe Myrtle. The mottled appearance comes from the shedding of it's bark through out the year.
There are six of these young trees surrounding the outside fence of the Secret Garden. In a few years they will have grown taller than the windows.
I have planted two other colors. This myrtle is a darker pink.
If you are thinking my photo is up-side-down......you would be mistaken. The two white crape myrtles have grown so tall, I had to look up to photograph the flowers.
The white and light pink blooms have a cooling affect for the very hot temperatures in our Texas summers.
Meggie Mac