Professional Pruning
I rarely resort to hiring help in the garden but I'm learning that sometimes it is wise to do so and worth every penny. Case in point - some hideous out-of-control trees that were beyond my ability to deal with. If I were smarter, I would have tackled these issues from the beginning but I didn't know better. The first is a pear tree that was planted along the back fence line. I've worked on this for the past several years, every year with the intent of reducing the height or possibly removing it altogether. As you can see in the photo, I had cut back everything but three limbs and finally realized that it would be dangerous for me to try and bring them down. The limbs grow straight up into the air and the remaining three are about 20 feet tall. After -- there is a hole in the sky view but the tree should fill in nicely for a good screen and I can keep it trimmed down from this point forward. Farther down along the fence line, and the view from the deck, are two massive pho
Conifers aren't as popular in my climate but I do appreciate them, especially those with gorgeous blue needles.
ReplyDeleteYour conifer tour is splendid. Seeing all of these makes me wish I had many more in the garden. I love the serial killer creeping about. Ha.... The pedestal looks so handsome by that limey green tree. I am surprised you can leave the pedestal out during winter. What is it made of, it must be frost proof. ?
ReplyDeleteLisa, it is made of concrete and sealed with a concrete sealer. I'm hoping it is okay left out in the elements. Not true for terracotta which deteriorates quickly here if left out.
DeleteI participated in a conifer plant study at Heronswood lead by (the amazing) Dr. Ross Bayton. Still, I am horrible at identifying them. I love any time when you feature conifers in a post and I'm fascinated by the large number your are able to grow.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Michale's for the cool column: it isn't easy to out shine 'Chief Joseph'!
Weeping Sequoia is a marvel. (When they start growing in unexpected directions, they look like dinosaurs!).
As for size marked on plant tags: I wonder if occasionally gremlins switch them around as a prank...
Chavli
Working at a garden center has really helped me with identification but I still have trouble.
DeleteConifers in general is a topic I feel I'm barely scratching the surface of. So many good ones to explore, so thanks for the tour!
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