Branch Arch Entry and Snow for Halloween!

Well it's been a rather interesting few days here in Pennsylvania. A freak snowfall created havoc for most of the area and of course around the property. Numerous trees fell (in safe spots thankfully) however one, large tree did manage to fall right across the entire road which is a bit scary to think about.

Numerous shrubs and decorative trees couldn't bear the weight of the heavy snow and succumbed, flattened and broken beyond "repair". My favorite crepe myrtle which I beamed about a few months back in one of my posts, split apart like a toothpick. Saturday evening the power went out and it was a cold night. It came back up surprisingly early around noon the next day, (compared to the 5 days it was out during hurricane Lee) however others nearby are still without power.

Sunday involved cutting many of the damaged shrubs way back. The property looks so open and I miss all the interest it had. Two large mulberry trees also fell and will surely be missed as they anchored the property so nicely. I have quite a bit of clean-up to do and will be getting on with it shortly. I did however want to share a small change I did amid the wreckage.

Guardians Standing Post At The Front Entry

The Lions Have Decided To Hibernate This Winter

I decided to take my entry beasts down.  The right one needs some repair and I knew one more Winter of freezing temps may do it in.  I took them down and replaced them with some colorful mums in the old concrete planters I used to have in their place.  I'm liking this "reverted look" again.  The large branch was a spur of the moment idea.  Adjacent to this location I had that branch standing upright from an old, hollowed tree stump with wild clematis growing all over it.  The snow weight brought the whole ensemble over.  I was going to toss the branch out of frustration but it is just too neat to not use some how.  I really love the way it heads my stone entry now.  I've since added another unique, smaller section to the center of that limb that is triangle shaped to make a keystone of sorts.  I have it jute-twined on.  Perhaps I'll snap a photo of it at some point.  For now I want the snow to melt and Autumn to return (what's left of it).

It was a bit sad to see children trick-or-treating last night in the snow; sidewalks not shoveled yet and just dangerous conditions, plus it was a bit cold.  Definitely a Halloween to remember! (or perhaps one I'd like to forget)

A Decorative Landscaping Border

A natural landscape border provides a unique look.

In light of yesterday's post, I decided to share a picture of the tree trunk border created from my lost tree.  Like I mentioned, although the tree is gone, it continues to benefit the property in a new way.  I really love the look of this border over the black bendable border used to originally define the area.  Although the black border is visible, it is a bit less noticeable as your eye is drawn to the "logs" instead.  I have placed small stones under the front of the trunk pieces to keep their weight off of the plastic border (or to keep them from rolling forward).  Excess weight pushing against plastic borders, especially on slopes such as this, can cause them to misshapen, bend or pull free from the ground.  Just a tip if you elect to do this.

I have also seen logs or large branches cut up in this manner but placed upright so that they are standing on end. Placing them side-by-side like a mini-wall, produces a cool look reminiscent of a pier and is good for a nautical theme.  Consider either idea to give your property some unique, natural flavor.  I have even seen the pier look used to define walkways to front doors or around pathways.  Another neat idea.

Crepe Myrtle - A Beloved Landscape Focal

Wrinkled Flowers Resemble Crepe Paper

My Crepe Myrtle is in bloom right now and I just had to share my thoughts on this wonderful shrub.  As you can see from the pictures, this shrub provides brilliant color when very little others are blooming.  Also considered a tree in some varieties, Crepe Myrtles are rather carefree, easy growers.  This particular one started around 3 or 4 foot high and has grown to this size, well over 12 feet within a 6 year period.  Yes, a fast grower.  They like sun and well drained soil and that is exactly what this one gets in its current location.  I suppose that has something to do with its vigor.

It seems to be a very hardy, disease and insect resistant species.  Just as I'm anxious for my Azaleas to bloom in the Spring, I am for my Crepe Myrtle to bloom in late Summer.  They also produce a wonderful, light, sweet fragrance.  This light pink color seems to be most prominent and the norm in this area of the Eastern US (Pennsylvania).  I do however see darker pinks hinging more toward purple as well from time to time and long to get my hands on one of them.  I suppose I'll have to order one online as I'm not finding the purple varieties in the local garden centers.

If you have the space or want a showy shrub (tree) that blooms when little else does, consider a Crepe Myrtle.  It blooms much longer than Azaleas and faded, initial blooms can be snipped to promote another, although less brilliant bout of blooming.

Plant them in the Fall or early Spring although they seem to be easier to find at merchants during fall planting time.  Prune with care as they bloom on their new growth and too much pruning may develop spindly branches that can not support the weight of the large blooms.  I have yet to prune mine and am thrilled with its shape and display of flowers, so a natural growth habit and shape has been most successful for me.  You can prune lower branches however to help push the growth toward the top and keep the bottom looking more trunk-like and tidy.

Color while little other shrubs are in bloom.
Other current, blooming shrubs are Rose of  Sharon

Go ahead and plant a Crepe Myrtle.  You won't be disappointed with this wonderful, landscape addition!