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The Newt (Somerset, England)

After Stourhead , the second garden on the tour that day was "The Newt". Talk about a change in garden styles! As I review my photos, I can appreciate the beauty and style of this garden, but I must confess, it was one of my least favorites.  I remember mostly the heat (it was one of our warmer days), the glaring sun with few trees in sight, and the commercial feel of the whole enterprise. But then again, this was mainly a vegetable garden and I was having an "off" day (I had just toured Stourhead, where I missed some of the main landmarks). The entrance took us through an area with gift shops and display areas (nice thing about photos is you see things you missed - I had not noticed the intricate ceiling design) - We did have an actual tour guide at this one, and he led us through the entire garden - Down a winding, blinding white walkway, towards the large vegetable garden - Leaving one vegetable garden, we headed up a grassy avenue with water features.  Along th...
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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 - 




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonApril 19, 2023 at 8:26 PM

    It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?

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  2. AnonymousApril 20, 2023 at 9:21 AM

    Ugly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
    I 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

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  3. Hoover BooApril 21, 2023 at 1:25 AM

    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.

    Lagerstroemias 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.

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  4. Linda BrazillApril 21, 2023 at 9:36 AM

    I 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.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverApril 21, 2023 at 9:23 PM

      Texture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!

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  5. Lisa at GreenbowApril 22, 2023 at 10:51 AM

    Texture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.

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