Stewartia Monadelpha is My Favorite Tree

Stewartia Monadelpha, commonly known as the Tall Stewartia tree is my favorite tree in our garden.  I purchased it two years ago from Tsugawa's Nursery and it continues to charm me. 

It greets me as I walk through our garden gate.  I normally stop and touch a fuzzy leaf.

Last year, the leaf tips burned while I was on crutches and I was concerned that my tree was unhappy in its new home.  

So, I've kept a careful eye on my Tall Stewartia this summer and fall.  It's thriving.  

I love it's simple white flowers in July.

And the lovely cinnamon bark that decorates our winter landscape.

Right now, I'm enjoying the fiery autumn foliage that looks like it could glow in the dark.  

It doesn't, I checked.

I may bring some leaves inside when they drop.  Tall Stewartia trees like part shade, acidic soil, are drought tolerant once established, grow 20 to 25 feet tall, don't require pruning, and don't have any pest problems.  It's the perfect time to plant one in your garden!    

Go check out other garden bloggers' favorite plant of the week at Danger Garden.  It's a fantastic meme that inspires more plant shopping!  

A Scary Sight

I was absolutely delighted when my neighbor that lives two houses down from us added two Paperbark Maple trees to his parking strip.

But then he did this.  I almost shrieked in horror when I realized that he had topped his new darling trees. Was it to block the view?  I don't think so.

I'm guessing that he didn't want them to grow up past his fence line.  He committed the number one way to kill a tree according to the 24 Ways to Kill a Tree publication from the Virginia Cooperative Extension.  I felt tempted to tape it to his door, but the damage is already done.

Have a happy and safe Halloween night!  And remember, friends don't let friends top trees.  

Barnaby and the Dog Park

We've been savoring October's foggy mornings followed by afternoon sunshine that lights the autumn foliage on fire.  My day is punctuated by Barnaby's walks at the dog park at Pacific Park.  

My Pirate joins us whenever he can.  

Barnaby enjoys playing and running in large circles with the other dogs.

And then he enjoys the nice cold water from the drinking fountain.

 While I smile at all the funny faces that he makes.

Barnaby's growing like a weed and I know that someday I'll think that he looks small in these pictures.  But in the meantime, I have an eight month old puppy who can sit his chin on the kitchen counter.  

Oh Barnaby!

Tetrapanax Leaf Theft

Someone snapped a big leaf off of my Tetrapanax 'Steroidal giant'.  And of course they stole the leaf that was front and center.  How rude.

I'm left to wonder who would do such a thing?  Did someone break it off to fan their elderly grandmother to keep her cool during our sunny afternoons?  Did someone take it to go identify it at a nursery?  Or, was it a couple of Beavis and Butthead wannabes that snorted and laughed as they broke it off and slapped each other in the face with it?  Hmm...  What do you think?

Bee Balm and My (Wily) Pirate

Today, I finally capitulated to a seven year battle between me and My Pirate in the garden.  After digging out plants to make room for my 96 (according to My Pirate)new acquisitions, I kneeled down and dug out the three new Bee Balms and added it to the big box for my friend, The Plant Rescuer, to take home.  They will live on, which felt good, but a bit sad for me.  Every year, I plant Bee Balm with high hopes and the next spring, My (wily) Pirate 'weeds' them out.

He now knows from my expression what he's done and simply says, "Time to hit the nursery?"

I've edited other plants out of my garden for being susceptible to pests.  I could bait:  Slugs like beer and pirates like rum, but it's all about the effort involved.  And it's high time for me to try a pirate resistant plant.  Any suggestions?