Life has been so busy this past week. I skipped Tea & Toast last week and tried to get one happening for this week but I could barely breathe with all of the goings on of the day so I had to, reluctantly, skip it too. I haven’t updated Nest in the Vines for way too long either, for the very same reasons. But I have a few moments of peace and shed-free time right now, before I go to visit the builder at the block, so I thought I’d do a little Tea & Toast/Nest in the Vines combining. I hope you don’t mind.
So, what’s been on my Tea & Toasty/Nest in the Vinesy mind of late?
Trees!
Autumn is the perfect time for planting out the garden and it’s an especially great time to plant deciduous trees as they are slowing down now and becoming sleepy, ready for there winter rest. It looks like I’ll be getting to plant some trees on my block this autumn and so I’m getting all excited at the prospect of planting out 3 acres over at my Nest in the Vines.
I’ve got a few trees that I potted up from my purple nest as well as some that lovely family and friends have given me as pressies over the past 6 months or so. But of course, I need more. Lots more. So I thought I’d take you on a little tree gardening tour with me so you can help me pick out some beauties.
What do you think? Have you got your hat and sunnies on? Come on… I’ve got a BIG list.
…
Firstly, I need some fast growing shade trees. My Nest in the Vines has one teeny, tiny tree on it and it’s right over on the far western boundary, so close to the boundary in fact that my dear, dear friend and neighbour has tried to nab it for herself thinking that maybe it could possibly be on her side of the boundary …… but alas, lovely, gery friend, it is not;) Needless to say we are desperate for some summer shade.
Liquidambar’s are gorgeous and big and shady. They say they are fairly quick growers if given a good water supply. The autumn colour is exquisite as well which also ticks the box for my autumn colour needs.
Catalpa’s or Indian Bean Trees are lovely and quick growing in damper conditions. I had them at my purple nest and they were like Jacks’ beanstalk.
via
Good old Paulownia’s will be a must too. I already have one to plant {a birthday pressie from my lovely friend, Melinda} and I plan on getting more as they would have to be one of the fastest growing trees ever. It will be the first tree I plant, right near where the trampoline will go so my Lewi has some summer jumping shade.
This next tree is a newy to me - Cottonwood Poplar – not the normal one. More broad growing and non-suckering. The Nest in the Vines surrounds is filled with poplars. There’s a big long row of them leading up to our turn off and they look so gorgeous and stately. They are the common sort though, ones that I won’t be planting as they can become a little pesky. But these Cottonwood’s look like they could be a possibility. Quick, pretty and shady. What do you think?
Oh, and I can not go past this next one. I love willow trees! I think they have become one of my favourites. I know that they are considered a weed in some spots {OK, most spots near rivers} but not so the weeping willow. As long as it’s planted well away from drains and sewer lines, the Weeping Willow is a gorgeous, gorgeous addition to the garden. It’s shady beyond belief and it grows so very quickly. The lime green leaves on dark, barky branches look so pretty amongst flowers and garden. What a beautiful place to picnic under, don’t you think?
But of course I will also plant some slower growing lovely shade trees as well. Things like Oaks will definitely have their place too.
OK, so the next priority is screening. Screening from the southerly’s and the western sun in summer. Screening for privacy and cosiness as well. In my purple nest I used pitosterums around our boundary. They were fast and effective and good for a more urban environment. But 3 acres of rural farming land will need something a little more robust. So I’m thinking Wattle – Black or Gossymer as possibilities. Not my favourite tree in the world but it is one of the fastest growing trees in the world. Faster than Paulownia’s even. For hot, western boundaries and blowy southern ones, these will probably be what I plant first up. They are thick covering as well which is great for bird life. The next layer will be something more long-lived and wanted so that when the wattles are finished with, something more permanent will be able to take their place.
Bottlebrush is another quick growing hedgey tree that could be helpful as a boundary tree. It’s also one to bring the bird life which my nature loving boy will certainly appreciate.
And of course, because it’s that beautiful time of year, we have to check out some autumn colour… don’t we? All of these will suffice…
{claret ash}
{silver birch}
Now for some flowering trees. I love a pretty garden and flowering trees add such beauty. These are some of my faves…
{Crab Apple}
{Flowering cherries}
{Quince}
{dogwood}
{jacaranda}
{flowering quince – though really more of a hedge}
I’d also love some accent trees. Trees that make a statement and give focus to a garden.
I’ve always loved what they do to these limes {tilia} . They make them grow in a hedge formation by entwining the branches and trimming them accordingly.
The limes above are viewed from the south side of the house, once the home of Rudyard Kipling, the house and gardens are now owned by the National Trust.
And last, but definitely not least, I’ll need to plant some fruit trees. All sorts – apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, citrus, mulberries, quinces, pomegranates, cherries, nuts …and lots, lots more.
So,what do you think of my tree planting plans?
Kim x
3 comments:
Ah, that was LOVELY! x
Wow!!!!
I really enjoyed this post. When I eventually move to land I'll be thinking along these same lines. Thanks for the great information. Leahx
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