Memorial and Milestone Trees

Mark moments. Hold memories.

Grow a Legacy Tree

In 2007, Wes Dixon gave his then-girlfriend Kelsey a tree for their first anniversary of dating. They were 17. They planted it in her mom's backyard, took a photo in front of it, and kept going — every year since. That tree has watched them fall in love, get married, and become parents. It's still standing in the same backyard where it all started.

That's the thing about planting a tree. You're not just adding something to your yard. You're starting a legacy.

Legacy Trees Collection

Our Plant Expert’s Picks

Every tree in this collection has a story. Paris picked these three because they also have hers — varieties that earned a permanent place in her mind, for reasons from botanical to personal.

Paris Pick

Yoshino Flowering Cherry

"Every year I get asked what tree to plant outside for maximum impact with minimum effort. The answer is always the Yoshino. For a week or two in April, it's pure blossom perfection."

Learn More

Paris Pick

Jane Magnolia

"Jane blooms later than most magnolias — a deliberate trait that means her flowers survive the frost and get to be enjoyed longer. For me, planting her is a small nod to Jane Goodall, someone whose dedication to the natural world I've always admired."

Learn More

Paris Pick

Cherokee Brave Pink Dogwood

"I grew up picking dogwood flowers for my hair, so the Cherokee Brave is really nostalgic for me, but takes it to a new level: deeper color, stronger disease resistance, tougher overall. It's the dogwood I knew as a kid, but better."

Learn More

A conversation with Kelsey Dixon

A Tree, a Tradition, and 20 Years

What tree did you plant, and when?

A Japanese cherry blossom tree, on April 23, 2007. My husband (then my boyfriend) chose it. It turned out to bloom to its fullest every year right around our dating anniversary in late April. That part was completely unplanned.

What do you remember about the day you planted it?

I was 17 and still living at my parents' house when he brought it over. Getting an entire tree as an anniversary gift was unexpected, but also completely on brand for him. My mom suggested we plant it in the backyard that day. I thought it was sweet and thoughtful... I just never could have imagined what it would become. What started as a simple gesture grew into a tradition, and now, more than twenty years later, it's something we look forward to every single spring.

How has the tree changed over the years?

In 2007, it was a tiny sapling (about as tall as me, and I'm 5'2"). Now it's around 25 feet tall. It has a lopsided, slightly wild shape, which we love. There's something neat about how different it looks with every season, and Pennsylvania has all four. It feels symbolic of how we've changed throughout the seasons of life, too.

What moments do you associate most with it?

We've taken a photo in front of the tree every single year, and over time it's become a living timeline of our lives. Graduating college, starting our first jobs, buying our first home. We took photos there the day after our wedding. We hosted our ten-year vow renewal beneath its canopy with about 120 guests. We brought our first baby home to it. When we were living 3,000 miles away in Seattle, we'd take the photo whenever we were back. No matter where life took us, we always made sure to get that photo.

  • "I was 17 and still living at my parents' house when he brought it over. Getting an entire tree as an anniversary gift was unexpected, but also completely on brand for him. My mom suggested we plant it in the backyard that day."

  • "We've taken a photo in front of the tree every single year, and over time it's become a living timeline of our lives. Graduating college, starting our first jobs, buying our first home."

  • "From its roots, the tree sprouted a tiny new tree the same year I found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2023. Then on Mother's Day 2025, it sprouted another. A few weeks later, I found out I was pregnant with my son."

Has the tree ever surprised you?

The most remarkable thing: from its roots, the tree sprouted a tiny new tree the same year I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Bennitt, in 2023. Then on Mother's Day 2025, it sprouted another. A few weeks later, I found out I was pregnant with my son.

What is the tree like in April?

Absolutely stunning. The cherry blossoms go bright, light pink, and pop all over the tree. Then the first windy or rainy day knocks them all off, and they become this gorgeous blanket of blossoms on the ground. Since our daughter was born, we have brought her there to play in them. In the fall, it turns a mix of beautiful colors, and we bring her back for the leaves.

What does it mean to have something living that's grown alongside your life?

It makes the passage of time feel tangible in the most beautiful way. The tree has grown so big that it's impossible not to pause and reflect on how much life we've lived alongside it. We don't always notice the changes in ourselves, but having that annual photo commemorates it all.

You wrote a children's book inspired by the tree. Tell us about it.

Roots and Wings is a heartwarming story about home, adventure, and growing together. It follows two little birdies who plant a tiny tree in their small town. As the tree's roots stretch deep and its branches grow strong, they discover that the stronger their roots, the braver they are — no matter how far they fly or how wide they wander, the tree is always there, steady and full of love, guiding them home.

I hope a child walks away feeling loved and supported, knowing that those roots are what give them the courage to grow into who they're meant to be. And I hope the adult reading it is reminded that the love and stability they create at home becomes the very foundation their children will carry into the world.

What would you say to someone thinking about planting a tree?

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now. It's never something you'd regret.

What do you hope the tree looks like in another 20 years?

We've already hung a swing from it for our daughter. Maybe we'll hang another for our son, or build something for them to play in together. And it's incredible, and cathartic, to know this tree will likely outlive us. It's a living thing our children can physically be with long after we're gone. I hope it continues to become a legacy.

  • "In April, the cherry blossoms go bright, light pink, and pop all over the tree. Then the first windy or rainy day knocks them all off, and they become this gorgeous blanket of blossoms on the ground."

  • "Since our daughter was born, we have brought her there to play in the fallen cherry blossoms. In the fall, it turns a mix of beautiful colors, and we bring her back for the leaves."

  • "Roots and Wings is a heartwarming story about home, adventure, and growth. It follows two little birdies who plant a tiny tree in their small town. No matter how far they fly or how wide they wander, the tree is always there, guiding them home."

Legacy Trees Collection

Species chosen for longevity, presence, symbolism, or all three.

  • Olive Tree

    Olive Tree

    Olive Tree

    The go-to tree for elevated interiors
    From $59
    On Sale
  • Black Olive Tree

    Black Olive Tree

    Black Olive Tree

    Also known as the Shady Lady or Cloud Tree
    From $299
    On Sale
  • bundle | 2-3 ft. | Mexia | Black

    Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

    Growing Zone: 5-8 outdoors

    Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

    Plant now for year-round color
    From $119 $169
    On Sale
  • bundle | 4-5ft. | Mexia | Cement Grey

    Bloodgood Japanese Maple

    Growing Zone: 5-8 outdoors

    Bloodgood Japanese Maple

    Reaches a graceful 15-20 feet
    From $89 $199
    On Sale
  • Eastern Redbud

    Eastern Redbud

    Growing Zone: 4-9 outdoors

    Eastern Redbud

    Vibrant pink blossoms
    From $179 $189
    On Sale
  • bundle | 5-6 ft. | Mexia | Black

    Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

    Growing Zone: 5-8 outdoors

    Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

    Four-Season Wonder
    From $99 $129
    On Sale
  • Yoshino Flowering Cherry Tree

    Yoshino Flowering Cherry Tree

    Growing Zone: 5-8 outdoors

    Yoshino Flowering Cherry Tree

    Spectacular blush-white blossoms every spring
    From $139 $149
    On Sale
  • Teddy Bear® Southern Magnolia

    Teddy Bear® Southern Magnolia

    Growing Zone: 7-9 outdoors

    Teddy Bear® Southern Magnolia

    From $199 $279
    On Sale
View all

Free Workshops

Every gardener starts somewhere. Our monthly virtual workshops are a good place.

Loading events...