Yes, the Monty Python reference is a bit obscure, and no, my larch will never reach 60 to 150 feet in height like its cousins, but the weeping larch in my garden is one fascinating specimen. There are 10 to 15 species of Larix, all of which are deciduous conifers, losing their needle-shaped leaves each autumn. In spring the leaves reappear fairly early in the season. Unlike the needles on more familiar conifers, larch leaves are very soft and touchable.

And, about that Monty Python reference? That little bit of silliness is viewable on YouTube.