Underneath the arches, again
We have a winding path with three arches in our back garden. The original metal arches were replaced a few years ago. Two years ago, the third arch, furthest from the house, collapsed under the weight of evergreen climbers. We, or rather, Barry, replaced it.
Yesterday, there was an ominous crack as Barry attempted to straighten the sagging arch nearest the house and it slumped even further sideways. It hadn’t damaged the fence round the pond, fortunately, but it was beyond repair, so this morning it was removed. This wasn’t a task quickly accomplished, as the arch was supporting, or rather being supported by, a long-established rose, a vigorous evergreen honeysuckle and jasmine. The plants had to be stripped out first. They have been reduced to ground level and if they grow again, and they probably will, we shall keep them as shrubs if we can, which will be easier to control.
There was a robin singing extravagantly loudly as we worked, which was a delight. In the course of the work, we came across an empty bird’s nest. Any birds planning to use it again this spring will be sadly disappointed.
There is now a huge pile of branches waiting to be graunched into mulch. Over the years, our ground level has risen considerably, as we have added layers of mulch around the trees and shrubs.
Suddenly, the garden looks much bigger. Maybe we will reconsider the remaining arches and whether they, too, should be demolished. It would make garden maintenance easier and more straightforward, though possibly less interesting to the eye.
Graunched! What a great word, that I had to look up. It means something a little different in New Zealand English.
ReplyDeleteA graunching we will go.
A graunching we will go.
Hi, ho, the merry oh.
A graunching we will go.
I am all for making life easier as I get older.
Oh too bad you had to take out all of those plants. However, easy garden maintenance is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWhen support is needed for heavier plants galvanised iron pipes is often a better option, pricier, but longer lasting. I see similar structures in Botanical Gardens, usually holding up Wisteria, but a row of the arches to make a "wisteria walk" which is a popular spot for wedding photos.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame yours has collapsed and the plants cut back. Being natural climbers there will be a lot of future trimming if you want to keep them as shrubs.
That was hard work removing the arches with their heavy vines growing on them. Now you can consider how you want to go forward with your garden. I was in my garden today, feeding 2 apple trees, our newer lemon tree and our Santa Rosa plum.
ReplyDeleteA lot of work but rather sad it had to all be removed. I must admit our garden is a mess. I'm a bit of a softie and hate to think I'm removing things the birds use!
ReplyDeleteIt grows back. Concrete or stone pillars perhaps...
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are running amuck here..."under the arches" is making me think of the "golden arches" (here, "McDonald's)...and "graunching" has even my spellcheck at odds and confused. (After looking up the definition, I'm hoping it's not the South African definition to which you refer.) But most of all, I am wishing to see your garden. It sounds fabulous. Well, truth be told, anything garden-ish sounds lovely about now. We had 13" of snow last night and are bracing for up to another 2 ft over the weekend.
ReplyDelete