It's that time of the year where I try to stay away from planting, especially in the back - it's just getting too hot. I was feeling antsy for a project, and it hit me last night. Why not start removing plants from the front? Great idea, except for it being 100° today. Oh well, don't fight it when inspiration hits. This area is to the right of our house.
The changes I'm certain of- taking out the two Oleander, the always suckering cherry tree & two rosemary. What to add, I don't know yet. My first focus is winter interest. It is severely lacking, which is stupid. It's nice most months of the year. Sorry for the bright sun photos.
I did just buy a new Sawzall, but I was too intimidated to be lifting it above my head to cut. And the Oleander is toxic, just felt like a bad idea. I stuck to old school cutting and pruning.
Chopping up the pieces well, so I could fill the carts with as much as possible.
One Oleander down! (they are the red flowering things) - I would guess they are 11' tall.
Looking toward the back fence. The rosemary is a mess. Dead underneath and green on top.
Lunch break, this watermelon was delicious!
And back out, good-bye to the rosemary.
*I realize the Oleander stump is still there. That's another job, and I need to drench that super rock hard soil before I have a go at removing roots. I may need to hire someone to grind the stumps.
And the second Oleander chopped up! It feels open, and a little "exposed".
Theres a lot more work, but I'm happy with the start of it.
When the cherry tree is also removed, this will be a good amount of space to have fun with.
A good days work, is it hot where you are?
what are the beautiful yellow, orange & maybe red lobed leaves 3rd photo up? You are tough to work in 100° heat! I can't imagine ...
ReplyDeleteJapanese Maple, I believe it's Bloodgood. :)
DeleteThe heat doesn’t stop you.
ReplyDeleteI was mostly in the shade, so it wasn't bad.
DeleteWOW! That's a hell of a lot of space to play with. Plant shopping ahead! (remind me why you didn't care for the Oleander?) Hot hot hot here. Well, by Portland standards, high 80's and 90's with a run at 100 a couple of days next week...
ReplyDeleteYes, I look forward to the planting - when I can figure out what the heck I'm going to do. I kinda still like the Oleander, it's a nice screen. It's considered a "side of the freeway" plant around here, and I'll admit to letting that get to me. Main reason, it's a huge mess - the dropped flowers & leaves are constant. Somewhat negative, the toxicity - every time I prune it I have to be incredibly careful not to get the sap on my skin or rub my eye. I prefer no gloves! I think giant Grevilleas or Leucadendron would give more oomph - plus lots of other contenders.
Delete90's & 100's is definitely HOT, I hope it cools at night!
DeleteThat's a LOT of work, especially in 100F heat! I'm impressed! My husband and I tackled one group of 'Blue Flame' Agaves yesterday - which means he cut the heavy leaves and dug out the stumps and I just lugged the debris to the bins. There was a lot more there than I'd thought. Below the 6 large agave rosettes there were at least that many mid-sized ones and more than a smaller ones. (That agave is a demon.) It only got into the upper 80s here yesterday, though, and we've got a heavy marine layer back today
ReplyDeleteLugging all the "trash" away is usually more work than the actual removing part! Good job, I have some Blue Flame agaves, but I don't think they are quite as thuggish here - maybe our colder winters keep them in check? Upper 80's is perfect!
DeleteWow, that is amazing all that you got done in the heat. Well done garden friend.
ReplyDeleteDid you grow the watermelon?
Oh, I wish. I never seem to have success with them, probably my watering isn't up to par?
DeleteConsidering the heat you achieved a lot! The sap from the hibiscus burned the back of my hands before I knew how toxic they were. No I wear gloves.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I didn't know hibiscus sap would do that.
DeleteYikes, that's a lot of work. But when inspiration hits... I'm sure you'll find the perfect plants to replace what you took out.
ReplyDeleteThe fun part!
DeleteOh my. Well done. You have such a huge place too.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIs this fence going 'black' before new plants go in?
ReplyDeleteChavli
Good point, I need to address the fence. I'm worried about the shorter fence side structure needing some reinforcement - it's a bit wobbly. But yes definitely black.
DeleteYou opened up a nice big area! I have a big Tuscan Blue rosemary that has to go. Hard to believe it was a tiny 2" pot not that long ago. The watermelon was probably the perfect thing after that hot work. It's funny, oleanders would grow here, but they aren't the go-to landscape plant like there. I haven't thought of them in years!
ReplyDelete