@Acerholic , hi D, about 17 metres of trench for the cherrylaurel hedge have been dug today, the rest of 6 metres and the holes on the hill for Fireglow, Summergold and Nicholsonii are planned for tomorrow. Digging in our garden is a backbreaking work with all the stones. We had some discussions with the neighbours about a wild seemling tree of about 5 metres that was growing right next to the fence between our properties. It was in a corner behind the chicken scoop that I had only been able to enter after all the bushes had been cut down, so I hadn't realized there was one growing next to the fence. First they didn't want to cut it down, although it had already made a hole in the fence. I offered them that I would cut it down for them and that I would remove all parts of the tree out of their garden, in the end I could convince them and my workmen cut it down. But of course all of this took some time. And then I baked a cake for them to thank them. I will post fotos tomorrow in the evening when they will hopefully have finished everything. Then I will google the weatherforecast and plan when I can plant the 3 on the hill. Good night.
@sun a very busy day indeed A. There is always just something else that adds to the work!!! You have some good workers, they deserved the cake, Lol. Look forward to seeing the results tomorrow Good night to you also.
@Acerholic, actually the cake was for the neighbours to allow us to cut the tree down even as they would rather have kept it, but I always care well for my workers too, I always cook for them and keep them hydrated with cold drinks, coffee...
@Acerholic, just wanted to give an update: the trenches for the hedge are almost completed, and the holes on the hill as well. Just to give you an idea of our soil: I also bought erinaceous soil as base for my medium mixture. I have a lot to do in the next days, dig some more and fill the trenches with the soil I already have, order new soil as well and then depending on the weather mix the medium for the maples on the hill and plant them. Then I should decide where the rest of the maples will be planted and dig some more. I think I should not hire some more men as I am already far over my garden budget. I will update you on the progress, but don't expect much in a short time because I also have to do a lot of other things during the next 2 weeks.
@sun an amazing amount of work A. You are well underway to have a wonderful maple copse in your own garden. The holes look perfect and the soil is actually very good for ideal drainage. I understand that the next couple of weeks will be busy for you, but I think everyone will enjoy seeing you back in the Autumn showing off your beautiful new trees in their lovely colours. So glad you have received everything you needed from the Maples forum. Happy gardening A PS, we all go over our gardening budgets Lol.
@Acerholic , don't think you get rid of me so easily... I zave just filled the first to holes with what I think should be a good medium mixture. I know I should plant the maples on a small hill. But in this situation with it being on a slope. How can I do it, so that it is upright? This is how it looks right now... Do you maybe have a similar situation in your garden where you can show me a picture?
@sun good morning A. No i didn't tbh Lol. I do not have the slopes that you have so cannot post a photo. But as long as you make sure the trunk is clear of soil or mulch you will be fine. There maybe a slight dip in the higher part of the soil, but that is better than a trunk that rots. Looking at your photos IMO you need to take away some more turf from the back to form a more gradual slope. It is too steep as it is now. You will get some sinkage over the next couple of years, so although they seem high atm they will not be in later years. You must ensure the roots are covered with soil, but not the root flare,so some mounding at the front is also necessary. Sorry if this is a little bitty. Am doing this whilst out walking.
@sun , at home now A, Garnet looks really good there, IMO I would move the maple that you are going to place in front, as far to the right as possible to avoid the 'in line' look. But that's just my opinion.
@Acerholic, thank you for this information, I will try to readjust and post another photo. Btw the Garnet is not going to stay there I will move it somewhere else probably after the winter, it is too sunny for him.
@Acerholic, I will think about putting Garnet somewhere else on the slope. This is how I planted Fireglow now, it looks a bit strange, but eventually Diss. Viridis will be planted in front and to the right, and t he rest will be covered by grass.
@sun that looks good, the rain will wash a little away over Winter, so be prepared to top it up a little. Are you going to mulch with bark?? As that will help keep the soil in place. Viridis closeby is going to make it all look stunning. Now its all taking shape. Bet your pleased!!
@Acerholic,thank you, I would like to plant the other 2 on the hill as well till tonight. The problem with bark is that our chicken always scratch it away....
@sun a good idea A if the weather is being kind. But do remember they are OK in their pots. It's very easy to get carried away and the planting suffers. Just a thought !!!! Exciting though!!! So totally understand.
@Acerholic We've done it! My husband and I worked for hours. I couldn't have planted Nicholsonii allne. It was terrible as there was a big gap in the hill to fill. I am so glad we have finished. In the next time we get no heat. Today about 25 and cloudy until 10 minutes ago, so I think it's okay. Today we had a storm inthe night. Nicholsonii fell and a smaller branch was broken. I think now they are much safer! Thank you for your input while we were planting.
@sun Very well done to both of you, it looks brilliant. I love the different heights and colours. All the planning, made it worthwhile. Now sit back and enjoy. You deserve a rest.
@sun just one comment A, have you put grass seed below on your first photo? Obviously not near the drip area, but to stop erosion from rain etc. IMO I think it needs this.
@Acerholic we haven't done it yet, but we want to do it. I need to put some wheelbarrows of soil there on the slope to make it less steep, then I will put the seeds.
@Acerholic , my neighbours have japanese maple, I think it's a Reticulatum, maybe a Ghost, I have first seen it after we cut down their tree the other day.They do not know its name.Do you, D ? I know the photos aren't good, but I didn't want to hang over the fence as they would have wondered what I am doing...
@sun I have all the ghosts and none with those colours. Although this year has some very strange late new growth. Reticulatum is a good choice, but again I have not seen those colours on mine. Environmental conditions does have an effect as we have all seen especially this year, so you never know. If you can get a close up of the older growth it will give a better chance of an ID. Good spot though A.