The Well-Dressed Tree

Christmas trees aren't the only ones that get to wear skirts. This one is more than a skirt, it's practically a ball gown.

When I discovered a ground cherry growing under my newest apple tree last summer, I left it to go to seed.

Had no idea it would sprout so many new plants.

                               First, there is the bell-shaped yellow flower.

                  Next comes the berry, in a lantern-like, five-sided husk.

Now the tree, a Yellow Delicious apple, looks ready to appear at a Cotillion. Dressed like Scarlett O'Hara, it's decked out in paper lanterns. Too cool.