Planted not far from the serviceberry was a spindle tree, ( Euonymus sachalinensis). I was fortunate that my new garden already contained several nice small trees, including a serviceberry ( Amelanchier × grandiflora), a small tree with a profusion of white blooms in spring and wonderful fall color. Serviceberry ( Amelanchier x grandiflora) Photo: Greg GravesĪlso, as a plant collector I saw this as an opportunity to add a number of different types of trees to the garden a luxury that I never had in my former city garden. I began by clearing about a dozen big leaf maple seedlings-a fast growing but short-lived tree that would have made the garden too shady. This made them ideal for growing amongst the existing firs. Many of the trees I was considering naturally grew at the edge of the woods and so would tolerate part shade. My goal was to create an in-between layer of trees that would enhance the taller canopy. Working there gave me the opportunity to see what trees did well in northwest woodland conditions like those in my garden. Miller, the garden’s original owner and gardener, focused on fall-her favorite season-in the garden by including trees with good fall color. Photo: Greg Gravesįor more than a dozen years I worked at the Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, one of the best woodland gardens around. Full moon maple Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ at the Elisabeth C. The large conifers are more than 100-feet tall and the maple are around 60-feet tall, creating a tall overhead canopy but leaving a lot of space between the big trees and the ground. So, as I was building my garden, I concentrated on the understory, that layer of trees ranging from 20 to 40 feet. My garden is filled with native trees-Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western red cedar ( Thuya plicata), and big leaf maples ( Acer macrophyllum). Here in my Northwest garden I have about six layers: tall trees, understory trees, large shrubs, small shrubs, perennials, and ground covers. Not only does this make the garden more interesting but it also encourages habitat for birds, insects, and animals. I have learned to create layers in the garden. This popular tree is often used in city boulevards as it’s tolerant to pollution, is soil tolerant and generally has no issues with insects or diseases.The striking white trunks of paper bark birches ( Betula jacquemontii) highlighted in the shade of the understory. Its because of its beautiful bark, nicely shaped canopy and vivid fall colours. This hardy, tough and well-behaved tree looks good all year long, no matter what the season. Technically they are termed samaras, however, they are often referred to as ‘helicopters’ or 'keys'. Its seeds however, are typical of the maple species as they are winged. Although this tree is a maple, its leaves don’t resemble a typical maple leaf as they are composed of 3 leaflets instead of one single leaf. The paperbark maple has great fall leaves in brilliant oranges, yellows and reds. The bark peels off in large curls giving the tree a shaggy appearance. Because of the peeling bark thtcoloured peeling bark. Ornamental colourful, cinnamon peeling bark is this tough little decorative tree’s claim to fame. Uses : specimen, accent, bonsai, shade tree, winter interest, small gardens Soil : prefers moist, well-drained, but also soil tolerant Stems : cinnamon coloured peeling, shaggy barkįlowers : inconspicuous green & yellow clusters, Mar- Aprįruit : 1.5" to 2" long, chartreuse samaras, Jun- Jul Mature Size : 20-30ft (6-9 m), x 15 to 20ft (4.5 - 6m)įoliage : opposite, trifoliate 3"-5" long, soft, blue-green color, white underneath, 3 leaflet leaf (trifoliate), excellent fall colour Species : griseum = grey (leaf undersides) Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, Pieris japonicaįorm : oval to round canopy, twiggy with shaggy, upright Family : Sapindaceae
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