More Study Weekend Gardens - Southeast & North Portland, pt. 2
Three more gardens from the Friday tour - Marina Wynton and Mike Pajunas Erin & Brian Ray Elizabeth Miller Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Gardening in the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, Washington)
The Ugliest Winter Tree
My vote goes for Acer palmatum 'Shaina'. Don't get me wrong - this is a beautiful tree any other time of year (see photo below). During the winter months, the leaves cling to the tree and it is an unsightly mess. The leaves are also difficult to remove. I've tried using the rake but that doesn't work. The leaf blower didn't do a thing. Hand-picking is the best method although, as you can see, not too effective -
The new leaves are emerging and they will eventually push the old leaves off. It is just a matter of time -
Last May -
It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?
ReplyDeleteUgly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an indication of stress, but heard there may be a benefit to the tree when it hangs on to its old foliage, something that quite surprised me. It is possible it has value when it regrows new foliage.
So hang in tight, it won't be much longer.
Chavli
Very interesting. It's certainly breathtaking in non-winter. The 'Emperor I' in the back gully here will cling somewhat to its dead foliage into winter but the Santa Ana winds are effective in pulling them off.
ReplyDeleteLagerstroemias always look dead in the winter and always surprise by leafing out just fine come spring. They fool me every year. You'd almost believe they have a sense of humor.
They are very late!
DeleteI initially hated the foliage on my Korean maples. But now I love having them as yet another color and texture in the winter garden. Though they usually have blown off by the time the new leaves arrive.
ReplyDeleteTexture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!
DeleteTexture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.
ReplyDelete