The rare and famous Metrosiderous excelsus ‘Aurea’ variety, also known as the yellow-flowered New Zealand Christmas Tree, can be seen in bloom in front of 1221 Stanyan Street near 17th Street in Cole Valley. This specimen was planted by renowned horticulturalist Victor Reiter, who lived just down the street at 1195 Stanyan.

In the 1930′s Reiter founded the California Horticultural Society, and started buying up land behind his house for use as a commercial nursery; this land is now known as the “Secret Garden.” But his Metrosiderous excelsus ‘Aurea’ is no secret; it’s a giant specimen, the only one of its kind in the city, and has received “Landmark Tree” status from the city. Check it out.

Orinda seventh-grader Lindsay Dunn planted several trees in a local nature area on Earth Day after studying global warming in a science class, and learning that trees reduce the amount of carbon dioxide — which contributes to global warming — in the atmosphere.

She decided to take the additional step of donating to a tree-planting organization, and found information about Friends of the Urban Forest online.

She set up a brownie and lemonade stand in downtown Orinda on a busy weekend, and raised $253, which she donated to FUF. “I couldn’t believe how generous people were when they found out that the proceeds were going to FUF,” Lindsay said. Well, we’re touched by your generosity, Lindsay — thank you very much!