I don't think there's much wrong with that. Those discoloured leaves may simply have been due to drier conditions on planting, and all evergreens discard old foliage through the year, and produce new leaves. Newly planted shrubs need a lot of water in the early months, even if there's lots of rain. However, I'd remove a much larger area of turf. Grass is competition for water and nutrients, and it's also a problem when you start cutting the grass, as there's a huge risk of the mower catching the main stem, and the lower branches, and causing damage. Ideally, you want a circle about a metre in diameter there
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If you have any bark, that makes a good mulch round the bare soil too, and helps keep weeds at bay. It'll settle in fine now anyway Alternatively - you could add some small spring bulbs round the base, and that will help fill the space while the Camellia matures, without taking away any moisture. Snowdrops and crocus [put those further out] work very well as they're happy with some wetter conditions. You can still add a mulch with those too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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However, I'd remove a much larger area of turf. Grass is competition for water and nutrients, and it's also a problem when you start cutting the grass, as there's a huge risk of the mower catching the main stem, and the lower branches, and causing damage. Ideally, you want a circle about a metre in diameter there
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Alternatively - you could add some small spring bulbs round the base, and that will help fill the space while the Camellia matures, without taking away any moisture. Snowdrops and crocus [put those further out] work very well as they're happy with some wetter conditions. You can still add a mulch with those too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...