Tree Trunk Crow's Nest and Slide

Our tree trunk is now a climbing wall, crow's nest and slide

I am so glad that I took a video last year of our giant mature maple tree (see it here) because tragedy struck us this past winter. Our tree had developed a large cavity at its very top, was holding water and started to drop very large branches (10 inch diameter) in January. When the largest one hit, I was sitting in our kitchen drinking tea during nap time and it nearly got the kitchen roof. That sound inspired a healthy respect and awe for trees that I had not yet known!

So it was determined that it must come down due to the large hole in the trunk, and I spent three days with a sick stomach while listening to the cutting, cracking and thuds just outside our door. But, I love that there is redemption at the end of this story...

Training Clematis on a Tree Trunk

Clematis 'Perle 'd'Azur' blooming on our mature maple tree in the Shade Path Garden.

I have had a lot of positive comments about the Clematis that we have trained to grow on our mature maple tree at the front of the Shade Path garden, so I thought I would give it its own moment of glory.

Around the same time that I planted the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) near our maple tree, I also planted Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' thinking that it climb the tree using the hydrangea vine for support. Clematis climb by wrapping their wrists around small twigs or fishing line, so other vines are also wonderfully helpful to their climbing success. By planting it on the shady side of the tree trunk and adding compost, I was able to give its roots the shade they need to start well. 

Maple tree with Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' climbing right up and in bloom with the yellow foxgloves (Digitalis grandiflora).

Curb Strip with Irises, Catmint and Allium

Our Front Woodland was entirely turf just a couple years ago.  Photo taken May 25th, 2012.

This pretty blue and white combination developed over the past year in our Front Woodland. The blue Siberian Irises came with our house, so I am not sure of the exact variety. I did learn that when you divide and transplant Siberian Irises, they take a while to settling in and start blooming again.

Blue Siberian irises grow from rhizomes

Red Clematis 'Earnest Markham'

Red Clematis 'Earnest Markham'

The red-flowering Clematis 'Earnest Markham' has one of the longest bloom periods in our garden compared to our other clematis. This year it lasted over 5 weeks, beginning in early May and still going strong in early June for our garden party. It is planted near the back yard fence and with some help in the first year to make it up the fence with a small stake and some fishing line, it was soon covering the pickets in pretty rosy blooms.