Some landscaping requires longer term planning, in this particular case a two year move but three or more years before the desired look could be achieved.
Good thing perennial gardeners have patience.
Good thing perennial gardeners have patience.
Both a blue and pink Rose of Sharon graced our back yard in Toronto, and while they looked lovely apart, when the Dogwood in the back left corner passed, I bet that they would look even lovelier if I could get their pastel blooms mingling together.
That fall I started a sort of rejuvenation pruning and cut back the Rose of Sharon by one third, I let it grow in the same place for one year before cutting it back again by one third the following fall, then finally transplanting it.
The space left by the Rose of Sharon seen above was quickly filled in by transplanting some of the yellow Rudbeckias closer to the fence. I also pruned back the lower limbs of the Japanese Maple, letting more light to the understory.
They say that shrubs are the skeletons of the garden and if so, apparently I like mine 'bear bones'. To me it felt a bit cramped before, even though I like a full garden.
They say that shrubs are the skeletons of the garden and if so, apparently I like mine 'bear bones'. To me it felt a bit cramped before, even though I like a full garden.
The Blue Rose of Sharon looked comfortable in its new home, however I moved away and will never be able to know for certain if it got enough light and intertwined with its pink sister.
Hopefully I did enough to help it along:
- I pruned back branches above it (from our neighbour's tree) quite extensively to give it more light,
- I pruned it substantially to lessen the overall foliage the roots would need to support post-transplant
- I used a root-stimulating fertilizer post-transplant and kept it well watered
Perhaps I will just have a peak over the fence next time I am visiting Toronto in the summer...
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Sharing with Outdoor Wednesday
We have a fence of Rose of Sharons. They are all different colors. In bloom they are beautiful. Nice job on your project.
ReplyDeleteJM, Illinois-U.S.A.
Wow, sounds like you'e really got something special at your place. Thanks for visiting.
Deletewhat a shame to put so much work into your garden and then have to move away. I hope they are still there growing strong and mingling together.
ReplyDeleteI didn't find it hard to move and leave that garden, because there is always he opportunity to start another one!
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