Today was a second day of letting go in the garden. The poodle bushes have stood guard over the front door since the house was built. They added living structure to the garden- but they haven't been right in a long time. They didn't fit the space any more. They were fraught with leaf disfiguring diseases-hanging onto them was much like hanging onto an old outfit when it no longer fit or is flattering.
The only reason they didn't meet the ax sooner when my husband wasn't home to defend them, was for how they could be used to light up the entrance at Christmas time. But to live with their awkward sad close up greeting fifty-two weeks a year for how they hold strands of lights for two, is really not allowing the garden to age gracefully.
Gerry is going to spruce up the front post with some classic detail- and that was just the opportunity to suggest his craftsmanship would show off better without hiding it behind a bush.
The little handsaw and I got a bit of a work out. Off with their heads. cut them at the waist and then saw right through their ankles. In just under forty five minutes, our two green waste containers were stacked with remains of the dismembered bushes.
What will go in their place? It isn't always necessary to have concrete plans to know that something isn't right. When what will welcome visitors shows its face- now these poodled pom-poms do not stand in the way of a good change.
Aging gracefully is what I've always wanted to do. Now my garden can join me.
It is so true...once that space is empty, ideas can come in. It is much harder when the plants or bushes are still there. Much harder to imagine what could go there! Much good luck, my dear. I look forward to seeing what you finally do decide on when that time comes.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh Lydia,
ReplyDeleteI love poodle bushes! They are so manicured looking and perfect IF they are healthy. If yours weren't I can certainly see why you wanted a change. Can't wait to see what you use for a replacement!
I remember one time when John was away on a business trip and I wanted to surprise him by manicuring the front yard. (That must have been BEFORE Felipe had the job.) I do remember John was not happy that I got carried away "manicuring" the heavenly bamboos! Oh well! TOUGH! They grew back better than ever!
Happy deciding on what to plant by your front doors! That, to me, is the most important part of the landscape; the entrance. That gives a vistor a clue of what kind of person lives behind those doors.
Hugs, Trisha
OOLOTH- Your garden inspires me to rethink my hillside haven. I was in LA last week, and looking up at the hills I wondered if I saw your home in the distance.
ReplyDeleteTrisha- The biggest fight my parents ever had wasn't over politics or religion- it was over when my father "trimmed" the bouganvilla.It grew back so I guess my dad won that battle but my mom won the war.
I'm with you, L. A garden make-over is always a good thing. I hate trimming bushes, so I don't have many ... just the lavender and some rose bushes.
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh, the 'killing off' of your poodle bushes and the disembodying of them and their pathetic remains stuffed into trash cans... so sad. Boo hoo boo hoo.... :O)
xo Oregon Sue