Benefits of planting the easy things
Comment from James:
It must be nice to walk along the beach at your leisure. While the California coast is beautiful with its pounding surf and rugged coast line I found the water much cooler than I expected. I prefer the coast along the Sea Ranch area but when I go in the water it is a slow process because I hate to wear a wet suit. I detest the feel of rubber on my body so I guess I will always be a skinny dipper. The beaches here are much warmer and I love the exhilaration of body surfing here where long rides are the norm. The scenery here in the low country is different than Sea Ranch but just as beautiful with Live Oaks draped in Spanish moss and marshes that go on forever with their birds and wildlife. There are many beaches but Kiawah is my normal choice and the reason I moved here.
As for the Biltmore, I have been there and while the gardens were terrific, I especially liked the vine covered patio. However being a former builder I was most impressed with the stunning architecture so I didn’t notice the Franklinia, sorry .I will check it out online.
I think that once again your expertise has nullified my choice as the area that I need to place this tree is to the left of my house on the west side that is very sunny. What you cannot see is that side of the house has no windows on the first floor (MB MBATH Closet) so I have been trying to get something to grow there that is both floral and expansive.
I appreciate all your time and advise you have been great. I suppose someone who is into gardening as deep as you doesn’t mind taking a long slow process to achieving their objective. After all when you think of the time that is put into getting a plant to bloom one must be diligent and deliberate. The process of opening up the ground deep and wide enough to satisfy the plant as well as carefully spreading and massaging the roots so that they will be watered and fertilized later so as to ensure good experience for growth. The patience of a gardener such as you is admirable. Similar to building a house one can see the final outcome with the plant but one must like the fantasy of the adventure. One sees the plant in full bloom even though is merely a sprout but enjoys the journey. There are so many details that need taken care of along the way that the in and outs of the routine must be just as satisfying as the fruit even though it might be sweet and juicy.
To be a gardner of your caliber must be vey self gratifying and a labor of love and I really appreciate your input in my particular experience.
Answer from Pat:
Thanks so much for the picture of your very nice house. Seems as if you just need to go back to the list of “tried and true” trees I sent you, study the alternatives, and decide what you like best and which grows best, such as Magnolia grandiflora, even if you’ve got one. Never hurts to have more than one of a good thing. There are other trees one might like but so many have negative aspects such as Texas umbrella tree (Melia azederach ‘Umbrachuliformis’) or Chinaberry (M. azedarach.) It’s a good example of what NOt to plant since it’s invasive and a pest in the South. So go with the tried and true, even if you have one already.
As far as my own ability to garden, it’s not what it once was. I have to rely on others to do any lifting at all and much else I once did myself. Thus, I’ve gradually simplified and made my garden far more drought-resistant, Mediterranean, and easy care. I like thinking I’m giving the water I save to other gardeners younger than me who still can do the sort of intensive gardening I once did in years past.