Training Euonymus as a Climber

When you have limited space, dense shade and you want to cover a fence line which is rather unsightly - you have limited choices in what to use.

I wanted to have some evergreen coverage to look at during the winter. I've tried Hedera helix (English Ivy) in my situation, but with little success. Too much die-back overwinter and very little growth rate. So I gave up.

Two years ago, I started Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (Purpleleaf Winter-Creeper) out of sheer desperation. In garden centres, it comes in cell packs: tiny little plants to start off, but worth the wait. Used mainly as a ground cover, I decided to give it a go...

Positioning it close to the wooden fence in early spring (when there were no leaves on the above tree) it took and began rooting its way up. Today, it looks like this:

Given there is a bit of winter leaf scorch damage visible, it's turning out rather nicely. By the end of June, all the worst of the brown leaves will fall off and new growth will cover the rest.

Here, you can see I used a metal framed art (from Homesense) to help support the growth, although - this is not necessary. Euonymus can become self clinging with a little coaxing. I just lightly bound the stems as it inched upwards in mid-summer to the wood, with a little garden wire, forcing the growth to fix to one area. By the end of the first summer, it had stem rootlets fixing itself onto the cedar panel. Yay!

Last year, I planted an Emerald Gaiety variety (with white variegation).  This one is very slow to grow, compared to the Coloratus cultivar. I still leave the supportive wire here, as it's taking its time reaching the desired height.

My intention is to grow these as backdrops, adding perhaps clematis or some Lamiastrum galeobdolon argentatum weaved through.

Here's another example of Euonymus (Sheridan Gold) which grew amazingly well in full sun, on a trellis fence partition:

Because the lattice wood has so many gaps, this needs a little encouragement to fixate and grow on the partition. By gently taking new, pliable stems - you weave them between the gaps and it will fill in nicely.

Euonymus can grow rather woody, so bear that in mind when you decide on what it will adhere to. You want whatever it climbs along to be sturdy enough to bear the mature weight of the plant as it grows.

The best aspect about these as vines:

• they are slow growing compared to most vines
• evergreen (in Ontario, there are few choices that give you great winter coverage)
• won't damage the fence too much, as you can easily control their growth habit
• shade tolerant and...
• drought tolerant

Try it yourself!

Sapsucker Damage - Pinus nigra

One of the draw backs to inviting birds to your garden (via a bird bath), are birds that can cause damage.

On closer inspection, the young Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) situated closest to the bird bath had some buds that were rather small compared to the other side.

Strangely enough, being so close, the tree benefits from having extra waterings with us refilling and cleaning the bird bath frequently.  So it isn't lack of moisture.

The needle buds on the other side are twice the size. These are still tight.

Seeing only two holes on the one side, I couldn't figure out why some of the needles were drooping and the buds were smaller.

It wasn't until I walked around to the other side, when I saw this severe damage. Wow. This is not just woodpecker damage, but a feeding site of the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker.    Looking in our bird-book, we noticed our location is one of the stomping grounds for this migratory bird to pass through. Lovely to see, but wow, such damage for such a little feathered visitor.

They feed on the sap flowing in spring. They make these distinctive sap-wells, all in a row. Many insects get stuck in the gooey sap and I am sure they add flavour to the Sapsucker's meal! It may marvel you on how they feed, but our poor tree...

What to do now?

Noticing squirrels are interested in this damage, we decided to take action and cover the wounded area. Burlap was our choice. It's breathable, readily available and like a cloth bandage, we want to be able to remove it, in order to monitor it. This way, we can clean out any debris and or insects so the plant can seal off those wounds on its own.

One long strip - the width of the damage, only wrapped around once - tied off taut.

You can use bird tanglefoot products that you can spread over the area, to prevent more damage but I rather let the tree do its own restorative healing first. Since our area is along the Sapsuckers migratory path, I don't fear it will return to feed again.

Going to add some compost leaves from last autumn under the drip line of the tree - this will enrich the soil and help keep the roots from drying out too much. Given we are still experiencing a moist spring, any dry periods we will supplement with waterings. The more hydrated the tree will be, the better chance it will have to heal.

Will update you on the trees progress as it seals the wound. Fingers crossed. 

Early Blooms That I Cannot Garden Without

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the fruits of your autumn labour bloom before your eyes.

Spring's arrival took its time this year and it was well worth it. This past winter wasn't as harsh as the last three and this spring is showing proof of success. As I worked in the garden today, a huge sigh and deep breath of satisfaction allowed me to enjoy these lovely early season blooms.

Some may be new to you. These, I cannot part with:

Early spring Anemone bland "Blue Shades" . They just blanket the ground. So delicate and display such a vibrant blue for the garden. 

Psuchkinia libanotica, similarly to scilla - their colour is quite unique.

Chionodoxa luciliae 'alba' - star shaped wonder. 

Pulmonaria saccharata - quite common, but I love how the flowers change from pink to blue. 

Narcissus 'Tete a Tete': I love how they flower before the larger cultivars. Their compact size, really make a big impact.

Hellebores - no  other flowers can compare.

Scilla - whether you enjoy the blue, light blue or white cultivars, they naturalize and flower for lengthy periods like no other bulb.

Galanthus nivalis - one of the earliest to show us spring has arrived. Their delicate beauty means - Spring!

All the above plants are ideal for the naturalized perennial border. Nearly no work. Just allow those that are bulbs to fade and go completely yellow. Just don't forget to deadhead after the flowers have faded - to promote bloom for next year. The others just fade into the background and allow other plants to take centre stage.

A good amount of compost and some blood and bone meal throughout the summer, and they will delight you again next April.

Enjoy!

Canada Blooms 2016- City of Toronto Indoor Plant Display

I have to say, the City of Toronto Indoor Plant display wowed me at Canada Blooms. Many exterior landscapes, flower arrangements and houseplants were awesome, but this booth made my visit well worth it.

If you love houseplants and music (especially Jazz quartets or a 4 piece musical ensemble), this display is for you!

Using succulents, air plants, epiphytes and imported real cork bark - a real whimsical theme was created. 

I was told it took 190 hours of labour, many hands to construct the structure and two very talented growers from the City of Toronto to put it all together.

Congratulations for winning, Best Use of Indoor Plant Material and the Best Use of Colour for a booth display!

One of my favourite aspects: all the plants will be reused and resituated in the City's two conservatories: in Alan Gardens and Centennial Park. No waste. One of my pet-peves is seeing plants nearly dead at the end of a Blooms show. These held up quite well and will be all returned to the greenhouses once the show closes.

Bravo and hats off to a wonderful creative flow, layout and fun City initiative! 

Click here to see more beautiful horticulture displays that the City has to offer.