Believe me these Hydrangeas look 100 percent better than they did before the pruning. Sadly I realize that there is no way the Japanese Maple will be coming back to life. I pushed against the trunk only to see that the ground all around it moves as if the roots have all rotted. My husband offered to take it out for me, but I secretly want to do it myself, so I told him we'd wait to do it. It's not that large of a tree that it would cause damage or injury if it decides to fall over on its own. Besides knowing me I'll be taking it out before Christmas is here, maybe even before the end of the week. As I mentioned in previous posts this is our second maple to die here, the clay ground is just too wet here during the winter and spring and the roots just don't have a chance. The other plants seem to thrive in the soil, so once this tree is out no more trees will go in its place.
I think this garden will be the first place to get worked on in the spring since it's the garden that is right in front the front door. The window that is seen in this picture is where the computer is so I look out at this area often. I'm already excited to get out there and start digging but for now I'll keep working on the plan. And lets see how long it takes before I'm showing pictures of the area after I take the tree down.
I know that if I don't get out and work in the garden on days that it's not too cold and not raining that this winter will feel very long. I enjoy having an excuse to get outside and see what's happening up close and personal.
I'm so glad you got to do the garden cleanup, we had snow before I had a chance to get out there, it might have to wait til spring. That's too bad about your Japanese Maple, I hope you find something beautiful to take its place.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful garden, I lake it!!!
ReplyDeleteBig kisses.
Yep, we're definitely thinking alike this weekend! I had to get out there too, to check on everything and do some cleanup.
ReplyDeleteBe careful when you take that Japanese maple out, don't hurt your back. It doesn't take much. It does make our miserable winter easier to deal with, if you get out there on the few days when it isn't raining.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with that area in the Spring!
Oh how sad! But trial and error, now you can plant something that likes wet feet! Ooh, a new plan!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine, We have an area right in our front door that stays wet and is heavy clay. I've lost many plants trying to figure out what will work there. I did not know that your computer looks out on this area. That must be wonderful! Glad you all could get out and do some yard work. We had our first really hard freeze last night. Hope you all have a great week.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
ReplyDeleteShame about the second Japanese Maple tree. Must be a better tree for that location. There is a Japanese maple only nursery not far from here just a few miles, never stopped. Don't need to get hooked on another plant...
I chuckled when you said 40s sound warm. Brrrr. Sorry to read about the Japanese Maple. It's frustrating when you plant something and it doesn't do well. I planted hydrangea and holly in my yard and both died due to sandy soil.
ReplyDeleteOh Catherine, I'm sad about your Japanese Maple. Ours looks rather sad right now. The leaves just turned brown and crinkled, and we're hoping it's just because of the sudden cold weather and that it hasn't perished due to the drought. I tried to keep it watered, but I don't know... We've had it for about four years, so I'm hoping it will be okay come spring. It was a gift from my grandma, who is almost 96 year old. I'd sure hate for anything to happen to it.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the clay soil. It's nasty here, too!
What a shame about your maple. They are such beautiful trees. I have a small acer in a large pot. In the spring, I will consider planting it out.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, the beautiful blue and white of your home makes everything look so pretty, even if the garden itself is deeply in slumber mode now!
ReplyDeleteI'm also sorry to hear your maple has died - such a shame, especially since they are so beautiful :( but the flipside is that you now get to plan what you'll be adding to the garden instead!
Your picture window where you sit at your computer is great and the view across your garden from there must be gorgeous when everything is growing strongly. Lovely!
For now, I'll be holding thumbs you get some more clear days, so you can move ahead with taking your tree down (keep the best of the wood to use elsewhere ;) I would definitely do that if I were you!)
Happy planning!
hello Catherine, sorry about your maple, I too have a wet soil and when I wanted trees I looked up those that can cope/like wet conditions, downy birch are doing well and have a lovely silver bark also lots of the willows, I have coloured red and orange stemmed willows, I like that these trees give me some colour in winter, I know they don't have the autumn coloured leaves of maples but they have other qualities, perhaps there is something native to your area that would suit the conditions, I have a 1 year maple in a pot and I will keep it there as long as I can as not only do I have the wet peaty soil but we are frequently blasted with salt laden winds, you did a great clean up, Frances
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the loss of your maple dear Catherine. I know though that you are going to have a lovely garden there without it and look forward to seeing this space in all of its' stages.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy being outdoors as much as possible.
Hugs ~ FlowerLady
Maybe you could get a small tree that does mind water? I'm trying to figure out what kind though.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but I'm still stuck back there at 12 degrees. Oh my goodness that is cold.
ReplyDeleteI know you will have that bed redone and looking great in no time.
I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful Japanes Maple but sometimes there's nothing else to do. I'm not abel to do much more in my garden except keeping the birdfeeders filled. The snow keeps falling and it seems as if the winter is here to stay for a while. Normaly we wont have any snos before x-mas if we get any at all. This year have been very strange if we look at the weather hasn't it?
ReplyDeleteBe careful when you take that tree down / gittan
That is sad about the maple. Perhaps a River Birch would do well there? I know they can tolerate wet soils.
ReplyDeleteIt's always sad when a plant you love dies; but I hear your positive thoughts coming through so I'm sure you're thinking of it as a new planting/planning opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWhat about a Cornus. They give wonderful winter interest and a simple background to summer plants, even grow a Clematis over it once established. Cornus alba 'Sibirica' or better still 'Midwinter Fire'. Should suit the conditions perfectly.
This time of year I don't even care to garden or be in the gardens. I pass by and see what has been biten by the cold and thats it. I promise I'll be dreaming before Jan and then I'll get excited.
ReplyDeleteIt is colder than normal isn't it? We are getting another bit of the winter blast this week. Probably coming from your area. Cold and wet it is.
Too bad about the maple. It is a beautiful place for the tree. I can see the area getting all filled in in the spring. It'll be beautiful.
Have a great day Catherine.
Sorry about your Japanese Maple. I know how hard you tried to make it grow there. It will be missed.
ReplyDeletedonna
Dear Catherine, I am sure that you are right about the poor drainage and the Maple. Definitely time to consider something else. As you say, it is good to have areas of the garden which are seen often looking pretty throughout the year. I look forward to seeing what you decide upon.
ReplyDeleteFunny how 40 feels warm after the temperature has been 20! I like to get out too during the winter months when we have a warm up. It will be fun to watch what you do to your front bed. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteOne day I will enjoy gardening again. Until I get my Rheumatoid Arthritis under control, I'll live my dreams in virtual blog gardens, I guess!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you managed to get out in the garden, although 40s still sounds a bit brisk. It's been rather cold here too, hitting the high 20s at night. Crazy weather. I'm sorry the prognosis is dim for your maple, I remember when you wrote about it previously, but it's sad nonetheless. They're such beautiful trees, but I'm sure you'll come up with an equally beautiful idea for the space.
ReplyDeleteThe rain started last night, so the snow is gradually disappearing up here. We lost a few shrubs, from what I can see.
ReplyDeleteI just love to be outside as well. My husband hates the outdoors. So it's only me around to enjoy what has been created back there. I'm so sorry about the tree. We have well-draining soil here. I think that's why azaleas are so big and plentiful here. We have an annual Azalea Festival. We haven't had any hard freezes yet. So haven't lost anything yet!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Garden clean up is so important. I am sorry about the tree....I know it breaks your heart to have it go. There are some trees that can handle wet feet....not sure if they are small. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember the first tree that died. Well, maybe you could enjoy it with christmas lights this winter . . . outlining each limb. I wish you good luck in your next plantings Catherine. Good to get your family together outside working in the garden. Sorry about your tree. ;>(
ReplyDeleteI agree! This weekend we had temps in the 40's as well, so I managed to clean up a bit, get some bulbs in the ground and put up the Christmas lights!
ReplyDeleteStill have to clean...would now but it's DARK outside.
ReplyDeleteYour house looks so sweet,love the trim around the edges of your roof.
You know everytime I click on your blog I read the quote below the header.."One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."
Just love it !!!!
What a pity about the tree having to come out.
ReplyDeleteI so agree that it can seem a long winter if you can't get out and do some gardening! Our winter has started unexpectedly early with huge snowfalls.