Entrance | ARTZZLE

Hi and Happy August.

Regulars know that I’ve been bummed and blue after the recent loss of Freddy. Even my crazy cousins’ visit and our fun shopping escapades, didn’t lift the doom cloud completely. I just haven’t found or projected much inspiration lately.

Energy levels began rising yesterday when Hubs took a mid-week vacation day. Gorgeous weather allowed us to get lots done in the yard. I’m always more energetic when he’s out there working with me! Do you feel like that about your partner? Anyway, look what we cleaned up and hauled to the field.

As is often the case, I forgot about pictures, so no before shots. But you would have just seen “Befores” that were dead trees and shrubs, and big holes in the “Afters”.

One lilac got moved, to replace a cottoneaster shrub, but otherwise no big changes for photo ops. Several other large bushes did get substantial hair cuts, but again, I never thought about B4 images.

Last year this two-trunk oddity came up in a planting bed by the family room west window. We forgot to pull it and this summer it’s gigantic. I think it’s a cast off root of a former shrub that was removed long ago, but can’t remember the name. We decided to let it continue a few more seasons and see what happens.

It’s sad to have to remove trees. As for shrubs, I always assumed if they remained healthy they were long lasting. I’ve learned that many do have long lifespans. But others, especially some of the more woody stemmed varieties like ninebarks, reach a point where they can no longer be pruned effectively and the roots begin taking all the nourishment from other plants in your bed.

The reddish bush pictured below is a 13 year diablo ninebark that will probably have to go next season.