I was originally going to title this post “better already!” but I think I’ve already used something like that so instead the band-aid analogy.
Part of me was seriously entertaining the idea of waiting until fall to get rid of the Rhody, but headed out to the curb with a half full yard waste container I decided the time was now.
And like all projects whose time has come I feel a bit of relief and no remorse. Although this venerable specimen would have been lovely had the space existed to prune it up and expose those gorgeous sinewy lower branches…
I also thought what a great framework this would make for a couple hundred Tillandsia…
Instead I’m frantically researching and buying plants (that’s a lot of space to fill!), which really isn’t such a bad thing.
Andrew will assist with the final removal and then it's time to plant! To be continued…
All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I'm excited for you having yet more space for cool plants! I'd better go out and get rid of some more boring stuff in my garden!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think you had any boring stuff in your garden...
DeleteHooray! I'm so excited to see what you plant.
ReplyDeleteme too!
DeleteIt's definitely the right move for you, and I know you're ready. I know that feeling when the time comes to do something: I just want it over with, as soon as possible, and I shed no tears later - well, usually!
ReplyDeleteThere is still one area that I'm undecided about how to proceed with...and I think tears could be shed. Future post...
DeleteNever look back! I'd suggest putting something big there, instead of several smaller plants. It helps the transition from the large house to the smaller plantings in the front beds. The trick will be finding something that gets wide but not too tall, right?
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone has ever called our house large before! Seriously though I know what you mean. With it's flush of new growth this spring the Fatsia japonica on the south front of the house (barely visible bright green thing on the left in the first couple of images) is really helping to anchor the house even though it's about 6ft out from the house.
DeleteA neighbor has planted wisteria on her three huge DEAD Rhodys, It looks fantastic. Of course not in front of her house, but in the hedgerow. I think you need a visit to Dancing Oaks on Sunday to fill that space ?
ReplyDeleteI can imagine that would look pretty wonderful (assuming they really are dead)...and oh how I wish a trip to Dancing Oaks were in the cards!
DeleteSometimes the time just comes and you put your pragmatic hat on and get on with a project that you've been hesitating before and just do. Satisfying isn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is. Funny how even though the branches are still there once the leaves are gone the plant is visually history. Can't wait for this weekend when it all comes out!
DeleteI just did this with a perfectly beautiful Firebush that was in front of a window, blocking my view out to the garden. It's so much work to re-home an old plant and all the work needed to remove it carefully, just isn't worth it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI seriously thought about trying to re-home it but it's such a standard issue plant around these parts. Everyone has 5 or 6 it seems. Plus you're right it would really have added a new dimension to try and dig out out with replanting in mind. That said I am totally happy we were able to find homes for the hydrangea and camellia when they came out.
DeleteWooHoo! I know the excitement you're feeling, having been in the process all spring of moving and removing shrubs and perennials. Going by what you've already accomplished in the space left in back by the Hydrangea-tossing, I'm sure whatever you come up with to fill this space will be amazing. I'm kind of amused, though, because I just bought a Rhodie. It's a sinogrande, but it's still a Rhodie.
ReplyDelete"hydrangea tossing"....haha, love it. That description makes it sound so much easier than the dig and dig and dig and push and pull it actually took to really get it out.
DeleteI bought a R. sinogrande too, earlier this spring at Nerd Night. I love it...
Have fun redesigning and replanting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam! This seems to be the year for lots of that.
DeleteWow, love those sinuous branches, wouldn't that be great with Tillandsias in it!!! How great to have all that new space to plant. I've got some overgrown PJM Rhododendrons that need to come out but I haven't gotten the motivation yet. Maybe in the fall, or next year, LOL
ReplyDeleteFall would have been such a better time to plant...I hope I don't regret this.
DeleteHooray! I'm so glad you decided to go forward on rhodo demolition!! I am soo excited to see what becomes of the space!!! A blank canvas in the danger garden is of ubber delight!
ReplyDeleteOf course I'm already collecting plants to fill up that blank space...!
DeleteI bought a house with 9 Rhodies, some now 8-10' tall, but have no plans to rip them out even though they are such a pain to deadhead. Some as you say have fascinating twisty interiors, otherwise they are such low-care weed-surpressing plants, which I need. But I did make new gardens out of three neglected areas this year, and I love all the creativity and picking new plants. Have fun! Will they all be dangerous?
ReplyDelete