A Visit to Cistus Nursery
I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...
Oh gosh, it's a sweet little tree but I hope it's description is accurate. They are such easy spreaders here in Alabama as you know. I'm always on the hunt for seedlings to pull or cut but they are good little hiders. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteOne neighbor has numerous Liquidambers at the front of their garden and they routinely provide fall - or, more commonly, winter - color. They're not used a lot here as far as I've seen but they do make a statement.
ReplyDeleteThe sweet gum that we had in our front yard when I was a child in Tennessee was my favorite tree. It was easy to climb and the prickly balls were used by me and my sister in throwing contests. I also love the various colors it has. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI actually scour the neighborhood for those spiky balls, since I don't have a sweet gum tree. I use them around the base of the hostas. The slugs and snails don't like traveling over those spikes! However, you do risk being called "that crazy lady who is picking up those balls"...again ;) Debbie
ReplyDeleteOh my those colors!!! 5-8' wide but 50-60' tall? Wowza, that's like an Italian Cypress. Would like to see a mature one at that size.
ReplyDeleteThe stickerballs, yes. :( The roots of Liquidambars are a problem in some of SoCal--all over the soil surface, sprouting suckers Where there is more rain and colder winters, are they better behaved? Beautiful foliage, though, and some fall/winter color, which is rare in my neck of the woods.
Yes, roots of the sweet gum can be a problem. I'm not sure about this one. You would think that they would not extend that far since the width is small.
DeleteWhat a beautiful column of colors! I'm looking forward to seeing you share pictures in the future.
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