THE MAD PLANTER: Part 2

Once upon a time, in our backyard fence row the Burning bush became a sensation over night each September when she would go from green to red in a matter of days. She was glorious to watch. She was the older of the two Bush sisters by at least ten years. Her sister across the the patio, that we planted seven years ago, shines, too, but never as bright or as large since she is protected by a Harry Potter tree (Privet) on one side and Pampas grass on the other side. It was the Privet, the Pampas and the North side fence that saved the younger sister's life during the icy winter of 2021. 

The original Burning Bush in her glory. 

Last week we cut out the last remaining off shoot from original Burning Bush's  remains. The big bush died after that winter ice and the bitter snowstorm of 2021, but last summer we nursed her off spring with care and this spring she returned, a bit slimmer than her mother bush but upright and reaching for the sun. In mid-June, I examined her and noticed her leaves were beginning to curl. Within two weeks she wilted and died before my very eyes. 

Once again the "Mad Planter" went to work. It is too hot now to dig up the roots to the big bush, but they showed above ground, and I could easily trip over them. Looking around the yard for inspiration I spied a potted plant nearby that could be moved in to replace the bush and cover the roots. I use potted plants throughout my gardens to fill spaces and holes where other plants have died or where I want a change of color or height.

This fall we will replace it with a Burning Bush or a Yew.

To be honest, there is a space where the potted plant once stood, but upon close observation I decided to let the Lillies, Sedum (Never Die) and Purple Heart fill in the space over the next few years. I do have patience, sometimes. 

 

We planted English Ivy between the Yew bushes and before I die it may fill in. 

Murphy is thrilled with his new freedom along the fence line. No more bushes scraping against his side.

The top of the fence is flat which makes for a perfect Squirrel Highway. It also gives Murphy hours of recreation, running and leaping as he chases the squirrels along the fence highway. Now we are all happy.

But gardening never ends...does it?