I knew I would need to remove–eventually–a large evergreen that would clearly become too large in my front yard. It had been a useful screening plant for many years. Once it was down, I had to decide what to put in its’ place—–
It’s not easy to make these decisions. For me one of the hardest elements is envisioning what the plants will become. ( Most of us don’t buy fully mature trees and shrubs; cost and availability are factors.)
I thought and thought. I had been intrigued by one plant at a nursery. And it surely was not going to be large quickly. Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’. It had such structure and very dark green leaves. I then happened upon an entire hedge of them, left natural, not sheared, and I was even more impressed.
So–I decided. I planted a grouping of three plants, one taller holly with two of my new pals on its side. They only stand 4 feet tall, but they are so impressive that though they do not–yet—perform quite as a screen—they catch my eye. And that is almost as useful. And in my mind’s eye, I see them mature, at six feet or so.
You Can Grow That—–artistic landscaping with structural plants. And having an eye for the future!