Big Gum Tree
The BIG GUM grows up the slope near the house, in the house lawn. This is an Australian Eucalyptus tree, variety unknown, which was here when we arrived. Maybe it's an odd choice for a lawn, but I usually love it. Just sometimes I don't...
Big Gum Tree in Wind
Gum trees do present some problems in a garden. They are gross feeders, robbing the soil of nutrients, and thus difficult to plant underneath successfully. And they are always shedding, all year round. They 'self-amputate' (such a quaint phrase) branches both big and small, as well as dropping leaves. The bark which looks beautifully textural on the trunk doesn't look so good when it falls off in the wind, scattering pieces of itself all over the house lawn. This isn't a very well manicured look.
Fifteen meters high...
Professional tree men have come a few times to clean the BIG GUM up, so the big winds can push through without doing too much damage. And, touch wood (?), if ever it should be blown down, the direction of the prevailing big winds should drop it well away from the house. Non-Gardening Partner estimates its height at fifteen meters, maybe more. Wow!
Around the Big Gum Tree
So gardening underneath such a tree is interesting. I've built a rough circular garden around its trunk, with a wee stone wall. Some hardy things like Euphorbias and Campion will grow here, but if I want anything prettier I have to use pots.
The Big Gum Tree
I guess the BIG GUM is getting bigger - and bigger - but I can't tell the difference from below on the lawn. I've learnt to love it unconditionally and clear up its mess without too much grumbling. Aargh!