New Cottage Trees…
So it’s no secret we live in a “Fishbowl” – the ultimate goal is for our landscape to eventually grow large enough to give us privacy while we are in our backyard and patio. Every year we have done a little bit to accomplish this goal, but careful not plant something that will be invasive, destroy sidewalks and roads and be neighborhood friendly. It’s important to me that i plant somewhat drought tolerant plants in the garden. I try very hard to research to find just the right plant, shrub, tree or bush and use new dwarf variety’s that are constantly being introduced all the time to help gardeners like myself that have minimal space to work with. Many times, I am wrong in my choice and end up pulling it out, moving it or giving it away.
So recently it was suggested to me to plant the Bradford Pear Tree by another blogger for privacy between me and my neighbors property. I did some research on this tree and agree that this might be a good fit for my home and property. This tree has a fast growth rate which will get us to our goal of patio and backyard privacy! Showy creamy white flowers appear in early spring before it leafs out and has green thick branches and leaves throughout the summer. Bears a small fruit that attracts birds. Tolerates full (hot) sun and is fine in clay soil, resistant to pests and diseases. All these aspects are perfect for the location and look I’d like to see. Bonus of the research says it has a fantastic fall color as well.
The only issue I’ve read about this tree is that its branches are susceptible to breakage from icy winds and snow. I am hoping where we are planting these they will be somewhat protected because they are along a fence and on the other side of the street is a rock wall where our neighbors home sits up above ours.
We thought this project is something that we’d “eventually get to”, but when we were on our weekly Costco run, we saw this tree species there for only $37. each and they were at least 10 feet tall already. We brought home three, went back for for two more and then again for another three…they were easy to plant and the past couple days we’ve had a mix of rain and sunshine – perfect for planting spring trees. No we won’t have the privacy in the winter, but we are not as concerned about the winter months as we are the summer months. Plus we will have the - trees to shade the hot sun on the patio - afternoon cocktails will be more fun this summer!
Couple other garden blooms going on this week here at Fishtail Cottage; Candytuft, trillium, pink flowering current, daphne, tulips, daffodils, bleeding hearts, poppies, heather & pansies…
Linking up to Cottage Flora Thursday’s with this Garden Post. To see where I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie
Comments
Hugs,
Sherry
Love your plants and everything looks fantastic! xxoo Diana
Cher
Goldenray Yorkies
I've only lived in our home two and a half years, but my husband has a green thumb and everything he plants thrive happily. I'm the one who maintains them though, and love getting out there and gardening.
-marie
Your other blooms are lovely too.
Blessings Kelsie
I just think it is in the nature of the tree and how the branches are at the trunk - making them susceptible to breakage -
Also, the flowers - though very lovely do not smell good at all -
I saw city workers cutting back a stand of Bradford Pear a couple of years back - like they do the Crape Myrtle - the trees were growing into power lines - I thought they'd ruined them - they did come back very nicely - but they don't have their beautiful teardrop shape.
I hope all goes as you wish with your trees -
Thanks for hosting this wondrful party,
Kathy
When you have kids...the whole neighborhood wants to be a part of your life. :o) Especially if you are the only mom home during the day. I miss them..but not the constant interaction.
Now we have a peaceful paradise.
Pear trees are absolutely wonderful and I'm so excited for you finding three at such a good price. And with them so far along, you won't have to wait for privacy. Such a creative plan for gardening! And their blossoms are so pretty too. Beautiful photos of your garden, Tracie. ;o)
xo
Donna
I think y'all made a great choice. :D
(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill
Joyce M
-Jami
An Oregon Cottage
http://unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com/2011/04/come-link-up-at-4th-installment-of.html
Beth @ Unskinny Boppy