Waterside
The Willow Tree used to sprout each year from its large stump on the water's edge. Initially I pruned the lowest shoots to create a canopy underneath, where I planted hostas and rhododendrons. Every now and then the stump's biggest branches would get the chain-saw treatment. Ouch!
Winnie the Puppy by the Water Race
Other plantings along the water's edge included Miscanthus grasses, ferns, and a small colony of primroses. Above the stone wall the garden was covered with Iris confusa, an edging of miniature Agapanthus, and some roses. There are always roses!
Waterside Plantings - Primroses and Miscanthus
The photograph below was taken back in spring, 2011, after one of 'those' serious trims. Of course in winter the willow stump branches would be completely bare, and the garden underneath would become light and airy. A very late-flowering blue-lilac rhododendron with shiny leaves, name unknown, blocked the small waterside path.
Willow Stump and Rhododendrons
The giant Gunnera decided some time ago to plant itself at the water's edge. Oops. Each year it would get bigger - and bigger...
Watery Willow - Looking Downstream, 2008
And all the while the water race burbled past, the water sparking as it ran over the stony bottom. This was nature's foot spa - the Head Gardener would stand in the water when weeding the garden edges. Nice in summer, alarmingly fresh in winter, even with thermal gardening socks on...
Watery Willow - Looking Downstream, 2006
Eventually the Gunnera began to dominate the area from spring into late autumn, while coarse leafed green Carexes filled out a lot of the spaces. Ligularias happily self-seeded themselves, having hopped over the water. And it's been a challenge to find any remains of those hostas!