Garden moves
By Margie Lachman
Gardens have a way of editing themselves. Last December we lost a 40-foot tall (and wide) Magnolia grandiflora to 60+ mph winds. Luckily, it did little damage to our house and none to the neighbors,’ and opened up the back garden to the sun.
I now had a spot where a smaller tree could be placed. We transplanted a Stewartia psuedocamellia from the north side of the garden to the empty spot in March. It is a small tree (ten feet tall) and will shade the woodland plants next to it in a few years. Happily the Stewartia did not miss a beat, putting out leaves and showing no signs of stress. Concerned about its slow growth, I consulted a nurseryman who grows Stewartias; he assured me that my woodland plants would be fine until my little tree spread enough to give shade. Even the long heat event we just had did not burn most of the plants that enjoy a semi-shade position.
Several years ago we lost two shore pines that had been shading our rhododendrons. The rhodies have suffered in the full sun. Lace bugs attacked them, and this alerted me that they needed shade. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to disease and insects. A newly planted dogwood, Cornus kousa ‘Trinity,’ will give shade eventually, but it is only 5 feet tall. Needing to create shade this summer, I searched the internet and found shade cloth with hardware to hang it. We had to set metal poles into cement to anchor two corners opposite the house and two eyehooks on the house for the other two. It now shades the rhodies and some of the hydrangeas near the house.
Lucy Hardiman, Portland garden designer, calls gardening a living art. After all, the living things we use to create a pleasing picture are affected every day by the elements, insects, disease, and changing seasons. We need to be observant and quickly recognize problems that may arise to adversely affect our creations, so we can maintain their health and vigor.
Occasionally a plant will not thrive where it is planted. If the spot is well-chosen for proper drainage, light, and soil, it may be that the plant was not healthy to start with, even if it appeared to be so. You can try moving it in autumn to another spot, but do not plant the same variety in the same place. Look for a new place with similar light and good soil. Shrubs and trees can be expensive so ask for planting advice at the nursery where you buy them.
Questions? Email me at margierose2@gmail.com or call 503-645-2994.
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