<p>I know this is a very random question, but one of the things that sticks out in my mind from my Swat visit is a tree I saw that was entirely covered with paint (it was blue, I think). I regret not asking when I was there, but does anyone know why it is painted--is there a story behind it? Some symbolic significance? Thanks! :)</p>
<p>This article appeared in The Gazette in October, 2005:
<a href="http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/org/daily/index.php?year=2005&month=10&day=28#la1%5B/url%5D">http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/org/daily/index.php?year=2005&month=10&day=28#la1</a>
Evidently the tree was dead, and rather than remove it, the arboretum staff painted it a color not normally found in a garden. They got the idea from a British botanist who had done the same thing. It's kind of a fun and surprising sight! I wonder how long they will keep it that way?</p>
<p>Thanks, siusplau! I thought it was pretty cool, too!</p>