What can you do with a
tree stump?
We had a 90’ Leylandii
tree growing in our front garden. It was a kind of landmark when looking for
our house. It was a beautiful tree with elegant branches spreading and curving
upwards. It also kept sunlight from large chunks of the garden and neighbouring
premises, plus the lower branch spread over the drive and prevented vans from
backing up when delivering goods to the house. Eventually, we decided to have
it cut down, never mind the expense. But we decided to keep an 8’ stump. We are
glad we did.
At the bottom of the
stump I planted two kinds of Ivies
— one with broad green leaves that has yellowish splashes of colour, and
one with delightful variegated leaves. I also planted a Winter Jasmine, a
Clematis and a highly scented, climbing rose with prolific clusters of creamy
flowers. In a niche I planted a common fern. All have taken. The stump is heavy
with delightful plants throughout the year. And where once was only shade and a
few straggly weeds, we have Camellias and other shrubs. A poorly-growing Yew is
now growing into a shapely tree, which we have to keep pruned. The photographs
tell their own story!
