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Hidcote pt. 2

I am continuing my last post with more photos of Hidcote, this time focusing on the outer perimeter of the garden. Like most gardens, these areas were less formal in design. Along the outer fences, you get serene views of the English countryside with nary a building in sight. One such vista occurs at the top of a long avenue called the "Long Walk". This expanse of lawn surrounded by hornbeam hedges is a stark contrast to the previous garden rooms that are packed with plants.  The angle of the hedges gives an optical illusion, making the avenue appear longer than it is. Once you reach the summit, an open gate leads to a view of the countryside - One can choose to walk back down the way they came up or take a route back through "The Wilderness" which runs alongside The Long Walk. The Wilderness is a woodland area with winding grass pathways that meander through mature trees and densely planted shrubbery. If you walk to the opposite side of the Long Walk, you will stro...
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Cryptomeria update

Before --



Change is inevitable in a garden, often for the good but sometimes not. I posted a few months ago about the sad state of the Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) that has been a focal point and conversation piece in our garden for many years. Our county extension agency man came by and said that it appeared the tree had been attacked by spider mites. Spider mites!?!


Considering the size of the tree, spraying was out of the question (I think it was too far gone anyway). I made the painful decision to limb the tree up and  use the trunk as a support for a climbing rose. I've been removing the lower branches and I've already transplanted the "Peggy Martin" rose in front of it. I also transplanted a "Quickfire" hydrangea that I hope will grow fast and at least bring back the screening effect that was once there. I've yet the cut the remaining branches at the top and I'm hoping that I can chop the upper half of the tree off without killing myself.


The tree was not only a focal point in a corner of the border but it divided the area between the rose borders with that of the waterfall area next to the garage, creating a "room" effect. Now, all is open and gaping. There is a beautiful view of the rose and pergola coming down the steps next to the waterfall but I've yet to embrace this new change. Only time will tell.


After --







Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Gardener on Sherlock StreetMay 6, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Being able to see thru there has just made your garden much larger in appearance.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowMay 6, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Don't you just hate it when the walls come tumbling down. It will take some getting used to. We lost another tree this spring. I have a wide open place at the end of the patio and this tree also acted as an umbrella to the patio. Now HOT sun. Booooo

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  3. greggoMay 6, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    That's sad Phil.

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  4. CrystalMay 6, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    That's too bad, it's always sad to lose a tree. Perhaps try planting some Holly shrubs to re-create the "room" effect.

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  5. LarryMay 6, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    I can well imagine the disappointment that you are experiencing... having experienced these types of changes myself, I can relate. The loss of a 35 year old Leonard Messel magnolia a few years ago was very difficult to deal with for example... mainly because of how it fit into the landscape. I will say that I'm reasonably certain that with time and a healthy creative spirit, these changes can be embraced and often times I've grown to like the new 'possibilities'. Your tree was nothing short of majestic though... such a loss... Larry

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  6. Anne BoykinMay 6, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Oh your beautiful tree gone ... sorry for your loss.

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  7. Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax!May 7, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    How sad - yet how fortunate the new view is lovely too. (And with potential!)

    Lucy

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  8. sweetbayMay 7, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    You'll love the change once the rose you've planted at the base of the tree gets going. It'll be beautiful.

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  9. Dee/reddirtramblingsMay 7, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    I'm sorry Phillip. It's been a year of change in my garden too. I feel your pain especially since yours was such a stately tree. I guess though what we love so much about gardening *is* the sense of change. Here's to Peggy clambering up the side quickly.~~Dee

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  10. ConnorMay 7, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    I was thinking of the state of your tree and the assessments of it the other day when I went outside and noticed the one I have is doing the same thing! I am hoping it is the wet weather causing the browning, but I have a feeling I am right behind you in taking it down. Such a big loss to the garden, but as Lucy said, there is now a lot of new potential!

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  11. MashaMay 7, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    I remember your previous post, and I am sorry it had to end like that. However, I am sure that eventually it will all work out - roses need more sun, right? Once your climber fills in the space, you will have your room effect back too!

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  12. JessMay 7, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    oikes... that sucks. It was a beautiful tree.

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  13. SheilaMay 7, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I am so sorry. We lost a focal tree in our garden last year due to thrips and it is hard to get used to the change.

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  14. AnonymousMay 7, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    This past winter was a hard one on my garden. I lost two weeping cherry trees and a paperbark maple that I've had several years. Sorry for your loss. Mary

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  15. scottweberpdxMay 7, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Wow...that is quite a change! I'm sure it's a bit difficult to re-think the space now, but I'm sure you'll make the best of it!

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  16. DavidMay 8, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Sorry you lost the Japanese Cedar. It was a magnificent tree and a real complement to your landscape. I like your plan and look forward to seeing the "changes" it makes to your garden.

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  17. GailMay 10, 2011 at 3:42 AM

    So sorry~That is a big loss and it was beautiful. I know that whatever you decide it will be gorgeous. gail

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  18. JanMay 27, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    It will take some getting used to but 'change' is the essence of life...and no where better to demonstrate that than in the garden. I agree that once your rose takes off it will be beautiful in that spot. But the photo of the tree in all it's glory is a lovely momento to hold on to. I just read your former post from Feb. where you showed the tree with the brown and got the fungal diagnosis. I am now pretty sure that's what we've been dealing with on several of our Leyland Cypress trees. In some cases, we've had to remove the trees, in other areas, we've cut off the affected limbs. I had no idea it could be a fungus...I thought it was due to lack of light but after reading about it I'm convinced that's what we've got. Am going to look into that fungicide recommended by your commenter, Connor.

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  19. Dig, Grow, Compost, BlogOctober 25, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Saw the link to this when I looked at your chrysanthemum post. I hope you've grown accustomed to it now. That is sad. I planted a dwarf crypto, 'Nana', and it is very sad looking too. Lots and lots of brown needles. I'll probably take it out. I lost several plants this year, probably due to drought, but the hardest was losing an oak tree, so I feel your pain.

    ReplyDelete

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