Why is it that the worst of the weeds grow under the hedges and places where you can't reach them easily? I hate getting on my knees trying to reach them with the shrubs tangling in my hair and ripping at my coat. The wet weather has helped the garden but also has caused a profusion of 'goosegrass' as well, all happily growing in inaccessible places. There's me trying not to step on the little seedlings that have set themselves about, carefully tiptoeing inbetween my precious plants, whilst the 'goosegrass' is waving its sticky arms in the air going 'na na ne na na', you can't catch me!
Whilst going through this performance I noticed some white blossom that was nowhere near the damson tree which is in the same border. The branch was stuck out on its own seemingly not attached to anything. Further investigation was needed.
And what did I find? Right in the middle of the Mock Orange shrub there were two suckers from the Damson - straight as a ramrod - and about 7ft. high with branches going straight up full of blossom.
This must be the first year it has bloomed, 'cos I swear it wasn't there before. I am not sure what to do about it - it is right in the middle of the shrub, well in fact, there are two suckers very close together. Do I leave it alone or chop it down possibly causing damage to the Orange Blossom shrub as it is so close ? Because the branches are so high and straight I would never be able to reach the fruit anyway. I hate the thought of destroying something which is so healthy-looking. Do you reckon it would hurt to leave it to grow? You can bet that if I chopped them down a whole new load of suckers would emerge in their place.
That is the only problem with the plum family- they do tend to throw suckers out wherever they please . Now I'm in a quandary - what would you do?
On a happier note - here are one or two of the latest batch of tulips to show their pretty faces
The patio apple tree is just starting to blossom
And a double tulip that has plonked itself in the apple tree container
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| A lonely branch seemingly not attached to anything |
And what did I find? Right in the middle of the Mock Orange shrub there were two suckers from the Damson - straight as a ramrod - and about 7ft. high with branches going straight up full of blossom.
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| Two damson suckers in the middle of the Mock Orange shrub |
This must be the first year it has bloomed, 'cos I swear it wasn't there before. I am not sure what to do about it - it is right in the middle of the shrub, well in fact, there are two suckers very close together. Do I leave it alone or chop it down possibly causing damage to the Orange Blossom shrub as it is so close ? Because the branches are so high and straight I would never be able to reach the fruit anyway. I hate the thought of destroying something which is so healthy-looking. Do you reckon it would hurt to leave it to grow? You can bet that if I chopped them down a whole new load of suckers would emerge in their place.
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| Ramrod straight branches heading for the sky |
On a happier note - here are one or two of the latest batch of tulips to show their pretty faces
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| Tulipa Tarda |
The patio apple tree is just starting to blossom
And a double tulip that has plonked itself in the apple tree container
Your tulips are very pretty.We have had a lovely show here this time as I planted lots in the autumn.
ReplyDeleteYou asked about the suckers and I guess I would try and get them out while they are fairly small.
I think all the rain has brought the goose grass out, we have got lots coming through our fencing from the building site which as yet is still to be built on.
I sympathise about the weeding! As for the damsons I'd leave them be providing I felt that they're okay where they are, and if not then remove I'd them. I guess that's not a lot of help to you is it!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. Flighty xx
Hmmmmm...to hack or not hack...that is the question. As we live in the same country I won't give my thoughts for fear if it all goes wrong you'll hunt me down!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tulips you have there x
I've got the dreaded goosegrass too. It grows in the fields where I walk the dog, and the seeds cling to his coat in the summer. Funny how they fall off onto the garden when he gets back home.
ReplyDeleteAs for advice about the damson suckers, I'm with Jane on that one.
Is that the spirea - bridal's wreath shrub from your last post?
ReplyDeleteWhat to do? DO you have another place to plant the two trees if you were successful in transplanting? If so, might be worth digging them up. The mock orange might repair its damaged roots and go on to thank you in a big and perfumed way! If not, out she goes, and plant a new one.
Hi Elaine, I too hate weeding under hedges!!! I would put a generous blanket of mulch down once you get the area cleared, so they don't come back the moment your back is turned. (because isn't that just what weeds do!)
ReplyDeleteWhat an unfortunate dilemma with the mock orange! It is a tough call, but I would be tempted to do as Jayne suggests. I worry that it might become a battle to the death between the mock orange and the trees if you leave them be. Still, it will be a lot of work to liberate the mock orange.
The tulips are lovely. Next year, I want to add some double tulips to my garden for sure.
Hi Elaine, I would just cut the damson off at ground level. It may reshoot but just rub off any new growth. I've had to do the same with self seeded blackthorn and ash. That t. tarda is lovley. D
ReplyDeleteA difficult decision, if it was mine, I would try to remove the suckers, they are going to spoil the look of the Philadelphus anyway so be brave.
ReplyDeleteI like the tulips, beautiful
Christina
Firstly, your new background of fall leaves is gorgeous :-) Dealing with suckers is no fun. I've got Dr. Huey rootstock growing a bit too vigorously right now. I've tied them with string so I can identify them and pull them out later. Hope you can make a good decision about your plums! Tulips are gorgeous, by the way.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I just didn't notice tulips before, but I must say that I am so often impressed by how amazing looking they are, when they open out. Same with crocuses.
ReplyDeleteI get so fed up with weeds sticking their heads up between the leaves of primroses, they are shallow rooted anyway and often in pulling the weed up you pull the primrose up too.
Those tulips are precious. Weeds. Blah!
ReplyDeleteI would leave it. I'm sure the two can grow in unison. Love the yellow Tulips!
ReplyDelete