"Come on Autumn!"

by Jan Eastman, Chair PRHRiA

We are very much aware we are in the months of Summer, hot strong easterly winds and dry hot days. Neither I nor the garden appreciate these conditions, and I can only say “Come on Autumn”.

Last weekend was particularly horrible with strong eastly winds that were relentless and uncomfortable hot conditions. I was already aware that the Robina tree in the middle of my back garden was succumbing to the Mistletoe that was growing on it. This year the tree had put on a huge growth spurt and the Mistletoe became enormous clumps close to the end of the branches. You would be aware that the Mistletoe feeds from the tree

and kills off the branch it is on and eventually the tree and I could see this was happening. I loved the tree that supported my beautiful Devoniensis and a white single petalled rose that grew amongst the branches and tumbled down making a glorious romantic site, but I had come to the decision that as the tree was dying there was a risk it could fall on the house and therefore it would have to go.

I contacted my tree lopper man early Saturday evening, and he said he would be over early the next morning. Sadly, the tree could not cope with the strong winds and the heavy Mistletoe on its branches and around 10.30 that evening it came down and yes, it did fall on the house. Fortunately, there was no damage to the house and now I have three big stumps in the garden. There is no access for a stump grinder to come in so I will have to be creative. Some of the roses will be very excited about the extra light but some are not so happy as they were planted underneath for the shadier conditions. Complicata is almost fried to a crisp and as it has not flowered for me anyway since I bought here a few years ago she may have to go. Gardens are an ever-changing piece of art, and the area will be beautiful again but without a tree.