When you garden on a deck, space can be a issue. Thankfully my deck is quite large, and I am on the ground floor. This becomes a important issue when a tree has a unexpected growth spurt. Well, who reads those description labels anyways, obviously not me. I suffer from a sort of gardening denial that thinks the tree is never going to get that big, because it is in a pot. So very, very wrong, and I don’t seem to learn.
Remember the Parrotia tree saga, [Wanted, three strong men], now happily living up country, at my Sister’s farm. It completely filled the back of that huge pickup truck. And yes it started out really small also.
The other day I was visiting the adopted home of a few of my trees, and I was shocked at how much they had grown. One started out as a mere stick of twisted willow from a flower bouquet, was now a billowing, 10 foot tall mammoth taking up a good chunk of the yard.
The famous crashing Katsura tree, is almost taller then the 3 story house. Even planted in the biggest plastic pot available, this was one tree that was determined to reach beyond the second story windows at my place. And given the slightest wind it would topple down onto the patio. It got so big that nothing could hold it upright. Not bungee cords, ropes, or bricks.
I had even given away my Viburnum Summer Snowflake, and it is much happier now in the ground.
Parting with them was hard, and I miss them, but they are so better off now reaching for the sky.
Jen
But you should be so proud, you are the one that gave them their start and bonded with them...
ReplyDeleteIt must be amazing to see their growth and I know they bring joy to their new owners. Hope you have a nice weekend Jen.
ReplyDeleteAnother day of wow photos!! Love them!
ReplyDeletei'm sure that you can arrange for visits...
ReplyDeleteit will be fun to see them grow even more.
summer snowflake is one of my favorites~
so lacey and pretty.
Jen - Sounds like you found excellent homes for your woodies. I'm amazed to see little clumps of Katsuras on peoples lawns like they're sweet little lawn ornaments - there are two at the Royal Botanical Garden that are bigger than oak trees - quite enchanting to be beneath them and look up and through their heartshaped leaves. Love the photo of V. 'Snowflake'!
ReplyDeleteI too thought a tree only grew as large as the pot allowed. Learn something new everyday around Blog Land. We had to have two big oak trees taken out a few weeks ago. Some fool before us planted them right up close to the house. Had to do it before they crashed the house foundation. I just hate to take down trees.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSomehow they all look appealing when they are so small and will fit in a pot. You need some space to spread your wings..that second photo is oh so interesting..I have never seen those leaves before:)
ReplyDeleteI know it must be hard to give up your plants ... one does get attached and they give us so much back. To see them flourishing however must have given your heart a leap! You gave them a great beginning... those early growth years are so important as you know. It is great that you have friends who can adopt your overgrown trees, so that you can always visit them. Lucky friends too! ;>)
ReplyDeleteAh yes Jen, we feed them and care for them and then they grow up an move away from us to anchor their roots down into the soil. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI seem to gloss over that part of the tag too. It's good that they have a nice home in the country though.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see these plants enjoying space and sky.
ReplyDeleteJen girl I suffer from the same denial syndrome .. but my BIG dreams are planted in our back garden .. Pacific Sunset Maple is not only HUGE it has those winged seedlets you have to pick out of every nook and cranny in said garden ! and .. Ms. Flame will be the same .. BUT .. I pay the price for their beauty in the Autumn .. it is more than an even trade for me .. I can use the exercise and my soul can use their beauty ? I'm sorry you miss your trees .. have you found one that will behave in a pot yet ? : )
ReplyDeleteJoy
Jen, the post wonderful and, as always, your photos divine. Your heart is huge (I love that about you). Happy weekend, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI do remember your, 'Wanted, 3 Strong Men' post, Jen;-) And I do understand your wanting to nurture so many trees/shrubs/plants...only to have them need to branch out a bit! I hope one day you will be able to have that land you've been dreaming of;-) Meanwhile, those lovely trees and shrubs are thriving because of you and I am sure your sister is loving their presence in her yard! I just had to dig up a lilac bush & a bridal-wreath spirea because 1) neither was blooming in their present locations and 2) the bushes are meant to have freedom and room to grow, not be tucked in to tiny spaces & be cut down every year! I took them to my mom's yard where hopefully, they will thrive, due to more sunny areas and lots of space to spread out. She can enjoy them for me, and when I visit I can see their growth (and beauty). I hope you will be able to do the same with yours!
ReplyDeleteTheir growth is amazing. You must be so happy for their fast growth. I'm congratulating for it!
ReplyDelete-jay