F.R. McNeil

For anyone else wandering over here 11 years later from the Dailyish, here’s an NPR article that’s still accessible about this project: NPR.org
The photo shared is a rendering of what the artist predicted the tree to look like someday when it was grown (but obviously because it was just planted in 2014 it was not so big yet). You can, however, see photos of a whole myriad of these grafted trees (and their locations are noted as well) on his website, here: SamVanAken.com
They are still not as large and beautiful as the rendered image predicted, but they are quite beautiful nonetheless, and bear multiple different stone fruits on each tree.

The uniqueness of these projects is they are installed as an art piece which means they are protected in a different way than many public trees. There is a little coffee shop here that for years had a beautiful apple tree that bore tonnes of fruit every year, right on the edge of the sidewalk; I always thought this was a wonderful thing, that someone waiting for the bus there could just grab an apple! They cut it down a couple years ago, because they were tired of ‘cleaning up after it’… A tree that is installed as art is MUCH less likely to be subject to such whims. I think this was a pretty forward thinking approach in that regard, for conservation.

This year on our property we are still waiting for our grafted apple to leaf out, and it probably has another year before it bears fruits, but it was nice to read up on the successes of other Permies’ grafting adventures here Hopefully in a year or two I’ll be able to share a success story too!

Anne Miller wrote:I asked Mr. Google what the difference is between a cape and a cloak.

He said: Capes Tend to be Shorter; Cloaks are Full-Length or Calf Length.

I would much rather have a cloak based on that description.

superman or other caped crusaders can keep the cape.

Additionally, I typically think of cloaks having a hood, while capes rarely do. There are always exceptions to the rules, of course, and many people will just use "cape", "cloak", and "mantle" interchangeably. The words have also evolved over time, as the garments themselves have changed.
Capelets are also a thing, which are very short, maybe elbow-length at longest. These were the last popular/fashionable iteration of capes in fashion history, fading out of popularity during the 60s.
You will still see cloaks, capes, and capelets around, but they are most commonly worn in a high-fashion/formalwear environment, ie. weddings, red carpet, or a night at the opera.

Personally I'm a huge fan of cloaks, especially with a hooded option. I'm an even bigger fan of cloaks that have openings in the side seams so you can stick your arms out and work without making your whole body cold! Bonus: you can use a cloak as a blanket because it is full-length


To touch on the question other folks had about why cloaks aren't largely worn anymore: I believe the yardage involved in making a cloak could be one reason (that full length means at least 2 yards), but mostly I imagine it has to do with the efficiency of keeping the body warm. While a cape or cloak is much cooler looking (at least in my opinion), a closer fitting garment will keep the heat closer to your body, and requires less energy to warm the space around your body (vs warming the whole area under the cloak/cape). Jackets typically will have close-fitting cuffs and a belt or waistband to keep warmth in very efficiently.

All that said, I do still feel that cloaks, capes, and capelets do have good potential for warming and functionality if constructed properly. You really just have to make sure the design isn't going to constantly fly open on you and let out your warmth!

/costuming rambles