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New borders
I guess this is the time when we think about changing things......maybe a whole border, maybe getting rid of that overgrown shrub or two that we really don't like anymore, maybe we want to but dont know what to plant and it's taking time and thought to decide. Maybe to plant completely differently. Maybe want to take a risk and invest in something a little pricey but nervous of doing it.
For me, a spontaneous urge to rip something out quickly turns into a must do. Always satisfying though when a biggish no-longer-wanted shrub or tree or overgrown perennial is ripped out and a clean planting space becomes available.
So, will you be a'rippin out something this autumn or want to?
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The only thing I would like to rip out is our thuja hedge, but at least it keeps grockles from peering in from the road! Am too attached to everything else.
This is my current ripping out job, ther were 28 conifers, 25 years old, almost all out now, then we cleared the bank of bramble and weeds, not quite finished.
I have planted two trees and two shrubs so far, but have enough to fill the border.
Hopefully it will be finished this winter as the shrubs are all growing in pots.
The little trees up on the bank are part of the hedgerow scheme. Our trees and shrubs will be planted on the flat ground in front.
I'm seriously considering ripping out the rhododendron at the front door which was here when I moved in. I'd like some gold/yellow planting at the front and it just doesn't fit. It's very mature though and the new growth is coppery so I'm not sure. Got enough to do anyway!
Grockle- that's a good word. What does it mean - nosy parkers?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It's a big job Lyn- hope you've been eating your porridge and spinach!
Very satisfying when you get it all completed though. Did you have a chipper for the conifers? It would have been some good recycling! We did that with a huge fir tree at last house which was in a seriously bad place.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We didnt bother with chiping it, there was far too much so we popped it on the truck and took it to council re cycling, the stumps are just dug right out.
I am fortunate to have a very strong OH he is used to moving great chunks of Cornish granite around so the stumps were no problem. !
Sun is out now so am off to plant another one.
A grockle is what Devon folk call tourists, emmets in Cornwall.
I'm dithering as usual. We have a rather large white Hydrangea. I've been meaning to move it and kept putting it off. In spring I cut it right back to open up a border intending out take it out this autumn but its now putting on a late show of flower heads, so i have to decide whether to move or leave and prune hard again next year and hope for more late flowers.
We have got the tree man booked to take out a mature but dying chestnut. Sad to see it go but on the upside, I get more light and looking forward to planning a new veg area in the pottager style!
I've been trawling through old photos on the computer. Its amazing how the beds change from one year to the next. Something dies overwinter, and leaves a gap. Other things are getting too big.
Definitely time to have a clear out and a rethink. Lots of catalogues to peruse over winter.