I'm still feeling a little burned by the new view over the fence in our back garden (read all about that
here), however I had a moment of pure delight last week when it rained and I saw these bamboo canes both wet and lit by the sun. I didn't get a photo, it happened so fast, but it did have me seeing the bamboo differently.
The laurel hanging over the neighbor's fence kept this area dark enough that I really hadn't paused to appreciate how beefy and beautiful these bamboo canes are.
Stunning really.
Aspidistra seen thru the canes.
Thankfully both the angle of the sun, and its strength, seemed to have changed enough that I'm no longer worried about the more exposed aspidistra (or the mahonia for that matter) burning, instead I'm just enjoying the extra light on those wide leaves.
Prior to the severe pruning on the other side of the fence, I had cut back a couple stems of my Pittosporum illicioides 'Strappy' that had gotten tall and gangly. Look at it now! This plant is going to love the extra light it will get.
I'd also pruned back a branch of Fatsia polycarpa ‘Needhams Lace’, it's got a nice new bit of growth emerging. All the better to hide the neighbor's ugly garage.
Love those leaves!
This next bit of seeing differently was encouraged by how a friend saw these markings on my Pseudopanax crassifolius.
The older leaves look like this—have always looked like this—I was concerned it was a virus, or a pest of some sort.
The newer leaves look like this.
The pattern is very regular, almost as though it's supposed to be there? At least that was his take on it. What do you think?
Nearby Pseudopanax ferox, just for fun.
Speaking of pests, this leaf looks maybe like someone was snacking on it when it was young and pliable.
Here's a pulled back shot of both plants, loveable oddities that they are.
All material © 2009-2023 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
I Googled Pseudopanax crassifolius and found a link to the University of Auckland, New Zealand. There, a photo with the same markings was titled 'Juvenile leaf'. I think you are good.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are coming around to 'seeing differently'. It was inevitable even if not a fun process.
Chavli
What is this Google you speak of, and how do I use it? Ha! Duh. Thanks for this. I swear I had Googled this before and found nothing similar.
DeleteDefinitely not viral, fungal, or otherwise pathological. A very healthy, interesting leaf pattern.
DeleteI love how you thinned out your bamboo so each culm is showcased!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Pseudopanax crassifolius and ferox side by side. I have a crassifolius, but have never been able to find ferox.
I wish I could take the credit for the bamboo thinning. Mother Nature at work, although I do cut out the dead canes.
DeleteIt's always frustrating when a change that dramatic occurs, especially when its completely unexpected. It's nice that you've discovered some positive impacts attributable to the increased sun exposure. I know you'll find ways to capitalize on that in more ways given time.
ReplyDeleteShort of planting a tree (which isn't really in the cards) I think my strategy is just to wait for the laurel to grow. The section behind their garage may never regain it's cover though, which is fine since that's where the pittosporum and fatsia are located.
DeleteSeems to me you had a 'Sabre' as well, planted in the ground, that you whacked back? If you still have it, how has it responded?
ReplyDeleteI've read through your blog up to real time now, its been quite a ride! I know you love hot weather Loree, but for me this recent weather has been absolutely delightful. Not too hot or too cold, mix of clouds and sun, lovely breezes.
I first whacked back the Pseudopanax 'Sabre' to get leaves back where I could enjoy them, and that plan worked. However last winter whacked it back severely, and I thought I had lost it. Thankfully it's regrowing, very very slowly.
DeleteCongrats on making it to real time! I am impressed, and you probably know my garden better than I do at the moment. The memories of prior iterations do fade. As for the weather I mourn the end of summer's heat, but as long as their is still sunshine and I can have the windows open life is good.
It has been interesting, 15 years of growth and change in just a couple of months reading. I was a nervous wreck for "years" until you finally put in the step from patio to pavilion! I'm still anxiously awaiting a hell-strip cram-scaping project ;)
DeleteHa! I was just thinking about how many people congratulated me on the step (in person) when that post went live. Long long long overdue. As for the hellstrip though, no can do. There is a park at the end of our street and it's used for a lot of activities, including soccer. Kids of all ages wearing cleats and jumping out of their parents SUVs, the yucca that are there bite back, I can't plant anything out there that I care about.
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