Grooming My Pergola Boxwood
This time of year can be very hectic - my gardeners and outdoor grounds crew are busy keeping up with all the growth in the garden beds.
Summer is coming to a close in less than two weeks, but there is still lots of work to be done - weeding, pruning, and grooming the many perennial plants and shrubs. Recently, Phurba Sherpa tackled the boxwood border on both sides of my clematis pergola.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- These boxwood shrubs along both sides of my winding pergola were grown from small saplings nurtured right here at the farm. There are more than 300 boxwood shrubs planted here.
-
- Phurba Sherpa is my resident boxwood pruning expert. He has been with me for many years – in fact, he helped plant these boxwood shrubs seven years ago.
-
- Buxus is a genus of about 70 species in the family Buxaceae. They are native to western and southern Europe, southwest, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, Madagascar, northernmost South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The leaves on boxwood branches are arranged opposite from each other, making pairs.
-
- In September 2017, this pergola went through a big transformation. I decided this area would be great if planted with a row of boxwood on both sides. This photo shows the area all ready for planting.
-
- The boxwood we used had been growing in this patch for about three years. Finally they were ready to transplant to their more permanent spots under the pergola.
-
- Each shrub was placed in a plastic pot and then carefully transported to the pergola. Every boxwood was positioned perfectly, two-feet apart from the next.
-
- The shrubs were only about a foot tall when planted, but every one in excellent condition. Boxwood can grow in full sun and partial shade.
-
- And now they’re thigh high and very full. They are all more than double the size. It is amazing to see the growth difference.
-
- Here, one can see the newest growth. Boxwoods are slow growing compared to many other shrubs, with growth rate depending on the variety. Typically, the growth rate for most varieties is three to six inches per year. These needed a thorough grooming.
-
- To groom the tops and sides, Phurba keeps the shears close to him with his hands midway down the handles. This allows the best control.
-
- He turns the shears upside down to get the lower areas. I prefer this method of trimming because the cuts are very clean and smooth when done by hand.
-
- We groom and prune the boxwood at least once a year.
-
- Everyone on my crew uses Japanese Okatsune shears specially made for trimming hedges. These shears are user friendly, and come in a range of sizes.
-
- Phurba also tackles the big boxwood located at the end and center of the pergola. There are four of these giant specimens.
-
- Any clippings are blown away with our battery operated STIHL blower. It’s lightweight, compact, and so easy to use.
-
- In the back bed, I also have Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly called Russian sage, growing. This plant shows tall, airy, spike-like clusters that create a lavender-blue cloud of color above the finely textured, aromatic foliage. It is vigorous, hardy, heat-loving, drought-tolerant, and deer resistant.
-
- In a matching lavender hue are these charming asters that bloom during the late summer months and into the fall.
-
- Behind the pergola is this giant weeping copper beech tree – I love these trees with their gorgeous form and rich color.
-
- It’s admired greatly for its weeping glossy purplish leaves.
-
- Look how beautiful the border is after the shrubs are all groomed. They’ve grown so well here and continue to thrive.
-
- My pergola garden is constantly growing and evolving – in spring when it blooms with gorgeous shades of blue; in summer when it features all the bright orange lilies; and, in autumn, with all its bold greenery.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
