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wobbly Kilmarnock willow

Kate the DragonKate the Dragon Posts: 20
in Problem solving
Hi, I have moved into a new garden and it has a number of what I regard as 'tortured' shrubs.  The viburnum, ceanothus, rosemary and photinia red robins have been trimmed into lollipop shapes; is it possible to encourage growth lower down, for more natural looking shrubs?  Also. there is a Kilmarnock Willow on a 4ft high stem; it seems reasonably healthy, if a bit congested, but seems rather top heavy and loose at ground level. Do these willows need a permanent stake, the current thin sticks don't seem to be offering any support?

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Kilmarnock willows are grafted onto that stick and can be short-lived.  It will need a lot of water and would benefit from having its top thinned and the "stick" staked but, TBH, I'd have it out and plant something attractive in its place.

    Check the stems on your "lollipops" to see if there are small buds that might develop.  If so, give the plants a good feed of slow release fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone and a good drink to encourage them.  You'll have to be patient tho cos they won't revert to normal forms overnight or even in just one growing season.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Kate the DragonKate the Dragon Posts: 20
    Thanks for the reply, your ideas are good.  I'm waiting to see what will appear in this garden, there may be perennials etc., so am reluctant to remove anything until I have familiarised myself with it and decided if it could be useful. The willow might not stay long term, but I'll stake it for now.  It has been very dry here, frosty overnight and the plants are a bit slow in coming out. This year is very different to the last.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    edited April 2021
    In a new garden it's always best to wait a whole gardening year and see what comes up, what you like, what you'd like to move or bin, what need some TLC such as lifting and dividing or pruning or thinning, where the sun shines most and take lots of photos and notes so you remember it all.

    Then make a separate list of what's missing, what you'd like and what you really need.

    Only then can you make a sensible plan based on time and budget available and also climate and aspect.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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