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Highfield Farm Garden (Monmouthshire, Wales)

I am lagging behind with my England tour posts, not that there is an urgency, but I know if I don't get them recorded and organized, my feeble memory will begin to muddle them. The three previous gardens ( Hidcote , Kiftsgate , and Bourton House ) were visited on the first day of the tour.   Day 2 took us across the border into Wales, where we saw two gardens.  Our group (about 25 people) rode in a comfortable bus, and everyone kept saying that it was much smaller than the buses they normally used. I thought it was fine, and most of the time, I had my aisle to myself. Unlike the Japan trip, where our mode of transportation changed daily, we kept the same bus during the entire trip. I soon learned that it was best for my mental health to sit on the right side of the bus. The country lanes of England are indeed as narrow as they appear on television, and the ever-present hedgerows grow right next to the roadside. Watching these hedgerows fly by within an inch of your window...
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Moving Schipka Laurel for Rhododendron 'Loderi King George'



Picture it - a 6 ft. tall Schipka Laurel used to stand here (I forgot to take a "before" shot and don't feel like searching for one).  I knew when I planted it that it was probably a bad idea but thought it would be good for a fast-growing screen along the back fence-row. I'm sure all gardeners do this, especially if you have a new garden and are eager for greenery. In all fairness to the laurel, it is a useful plant and I would argue even a beautiful one when nicely maintained. Before I dug this one up, I stood back and admired it and felt the guilt pangs stabbing at my heart. 

I removed a much larger laurel than this a few years ago and they are not the easiest plant to dig out. I was determined to save this one and I believe I was successful. 

Here is a thought and you can take this to the bank - the pot you choose to hold a plant that you dig up will ALWAYS be too small. Always! 




So, after finding the largest pot I could, here it is, after being cut back pretty drastically - I will pass this along to anyone who wants it -


Notice the leaves appeared unphased after this upheaval. The pot has been soaked by almost 2" of rain during the past two days (hooray for that!) but even without that, this plant is a survivor and so tough.

The funny thing is the plant that is going to replace it will no doubt, in time, grow larger than the laurel if left unattended. It is a rhododendron that I've wanted for a long time - 'Loderi King George'. Had I found one of these years ago, it would already be in the ground. We just got some nice big ones at the garden center. This rhododendron is reputed to be one of the best and has white to pale pink flowers that are scented.




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonSeptember 26, 2023 at 10:21 PM

    The Rhododendron looks wonderful there. I hope you can find someone to take the laurel.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 27, 2023 at 4:24 AM

    Oh the things we do in our gardens. The Rhodie will be loverly in this spot.
    I like the way you are using your off fall for fencing.

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2023 at 11:31 AM

    Ha! I know exactly the feeling of "guilt pangs stabbing at my heart"! I mean, here's a lovely, healthy plant, doing exactly what it was meant to do for us, no fuss or drama. And for that we pull it out unceremoniously. At least you home it before it goes in the waste bin.
    That new Rhodi is a beauty. I hope it has fragrance as promised.
    Chavli

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2023 at 7:33 AM

    Love that Loderi also. Enjoying your posts. Can I ask where do you get your chip mulch? I am looking for a good source of wood chips to use as mulch as well. Thx!

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverSeptember 28, 2023 at 7:46 AM

      I usually get a load from Chip Drop in the fall. It comes from local foresters and is free - https://getchipdrop.com/ You get a huge load and just have to wait until it is available in your area but they have been fast in our area. In the spring, I use small bark nuggest from Yard n Garden Land to cover since it gives a more attractive look. I do think that the untreated forestry chips do the most to improve your soil.

      Delete
  5. tz_gardenSeptember 28, 2023 at 9:22 AM

    The new rhododendron looks beautiful there. I have had the same feelings, and yes in a rush for greenery in a completely empty back garden made several strange choices. I look forward to seeing it bloom!

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2023 at 5:07 PM

    Congrats on finally acquiring a long-sought plant. You may be too excited to sleep (that’s what happens to me).
    The laurel was lush, though. Do they seed around?

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  7. AnonymousOctober 23, 2023 at 10:12 AM

    Love your dead hedge!

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 23, 2023 at 6:50 PM

      I need to tweak that! It needs some straightening and tidying.

      Delete

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