Swapping Huckleberries
Himalayan Honeysuckle ( Vaccinium glauco album) Himalayan Honeysuckle ( Vaccinium glauco album) has been an attractive feature along our north-facing foundation since I planted it in 2016. You will have to take my word for it since I cannot locate a photo although I know one exists somewhere in the realm of the Internet or floating on a cloud somewhere. I did locate a photo of how it looked when it was first planted - It took a few years to fill out but it did so nicely to an attractive mound about 2 feet high by 3 feet wide. Last year, it started to look bad. I cut it back but it had not improved and this is how it looked a few weeks ago - I decided to rip it out and plant another huckleberry - this time Vaccinium ovatum , more commonly known as the "Evergreen Huckleberry". This is a plant that I've wanted for ages and kept putting off getting one because I could not find a good place for it. By most accounts, this is an amazing plant, a native one and excellent for
Your planting looks very nice Phillip. I know what you mean when you say you hate to take an established plant out. However I think you made the right decision. This area looks quite fresh even in its winter outfit.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know how you like that particular osmanthus. I also have 'Goshiki' which is a variegated yellow/green. Prickly like a holly, too. I like the color that it gives in the mixed border, but it doesn't bloom like the osmanthus fragrans.
ReplyDeleteCameron
I'm not so experienced a gardener to give you suggestions, but I sure see that you're carving out a beautiful garden by giving out your maple a view!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, I agree with the removal of the juniper, it looks better already. Chansonette is one I have and it has stayed smaller than stated height on the tag of four feet, it is more like two feet but has been a tough performer under adverse conditions. I think ferns would be a good addition there, maybe some evergreen tassle ferns?
ReplyDeleteFrances
Frances, ferns sound like a good idea. I'm glad to hear that 'Chansonette' stays low. I was hoping for under 3 feet.
ReplyDeleteThe osmanthus is interesting. The leaves look very holly-like. I've been reflecting lately that I should have planted more evergreens, pine, juniper, etc. It's a shame yours had to come out.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Love the look of your garden and the back-drop too. The old window box and things on the wall. It's all those treasures that make a garden huh?
ReplyDeleteI gave up on camelias. They get bit by the March cold that leaves nothing it its wake. I think the Autumn bloomer would fair better in my neck of the woods.
Looks great! I'm not a fan of junipers of any kind so its removal wouldn't have bothered me! Maybe plant some heucheras under your dogwood? The seem to thrive no matter what I do. Ours are in shade most of the day.
ReplyDeleteI fell no guilt pulling out plants that have served there purpose and their time is done. You could consider one of the low growing, late blooming Satsuki hybird Azaleas, a variegated Winter Daphne or how about a patch of Hellebores.
ReplyDeleteA very nice look at the dogwood now! Ferns sound perfect, they won't out grow the dogwood and will a good look all winter. I would love to have the osmanthus and wonder if any nashville growers have success with it...Gail
ReplyDeleteI really like "Gulftide" and its leaf color. It looks like a good addition to your garden.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Gardening
I love that false holly, both the leaf shape and the blue-green color. Does agarita grow there? Your false holly reminds me of it.
ReplyDeleteI love your plaques and birdhouses and stuff on your house, Phillip. Very interesting! I agree that the maple can now hold its own now that the juniper is gone. I never feel sorry about getting rid of a plant whose time has come and gone. I usually wonder why I waited so long! Your plantings look very cool.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks much better now. You can really see the beauty of the maple's trunk. That osmanthus is really interesting. I've never seen it before so am interested in how it works out for you.
ReplyDeleteA good move Phillip. I think most evergreens, especially Junipers make for better background intrest and filler.
ReplyDeleteThat Japanese Maple might thank you if it could talk, Phillip- it looks so good with the camellia. Touching junipers gives me hives so one less doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteThat's an Osmanthus? I love the Sweet olive and have managed to keep three alive here... it will be interesting to find out if this holly-leaved type can smell as lovely.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Hi, Phillip--I have the Gulftide osmanthus and I just love it. the flowers are even--what do you say? Less significant?--than those on the sweet olive, but the plant is nevertheless really fragrant and much prettier. Be aware, though, that it grows more quickly and much taller than the sweet olive (though you can prune it easily). I like the hellebore suggestion--or maybe an homage to your old big juniper with a dwarf one?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, and love your amaryllis blooms.