Have had this water garden feature for two years now, as well as all the landscaping that surrounds it. But there is a area to the right that seems to be lacking something...
possibly a tree for shade near the house as it faces west. Any suggestions would be welcomed...
Yes, I would include a tree asuming you have fish in the pond, but it must be something that won't shed too many leaves and spoil the clean water. It could be decidious, but you will have to rake the leaves out in the fall. This can be a job that isn't fun. I place bromeliads around "our" pond in the summer to change the look.
The tree I would pick is either a Japanese Magnolia or a Japanese Maple (depending on your conditiones in zone 6a). Definitely no crepe myrtle. Each of us enjoy different trees so the sky is the limit.
Thanks for the suggestions. Forgot to add we are zone 5a. I would LOVE a Japanese Maple but have been told I have way to much sun for one..especially since we face west and it gets hotter than Hades at times. We also have a wind tunnel effect with the field behind us most of the year. Yes, leaves would present a problem with the pond as the tree would be due north of it and our seasonal winds often come from the NW.
I would love to have a more decorative tree and something that stays rather small since it would be so close to the house. Maybe some sort of Crabapple. But was hoping to find something more original to our area...yet hardy (I can dream can't I?? LOL)
Here's another view from far back in the yard looking at the space I think needs something...
Closer look at the pond....
Yes, that is close to the house for a big tree. My DH won't allow me to plant trees close to the house. Hmmmm, a cassia, a vitex, let's try googling pictures of ponds and see what we come up with.
The pond came out nice. Did you do it your self?
Water features can turn your landscape into something special, providing a focal point and attracting wildlife. Water gardens transform an outdoor living space into a beautiful paradise where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Water features become the focal point of any garden with their melodious tunes and natural ability to attract a variety of birds and butterflies. Thanks.
Hi -- how about a weeping mulberry -- a small tree, with cascading branches which you can easily prune for an umbrella effect. Hardy to Zone 4, and I have a hybrid that does not produce berrys so it is a very neat tree. Here's a pic -- it's on the left side of the bed -- this is a new conifer/perennial bed I put in two years ago -- Dax
I think it would look great on that corner, and is a very different shape for the space --
This message was edited Feb 19, 2012 11:26 AM
meez...there is a japanese maple that can grow in full sun and is the only maple that is fragrant to boot. Acer ginella. Gets 20-25ft, brilliant red fall color and in the spring produces a small white flower whose fragrance is exquisite. Another great one on my want list is Prunus padus (Mayday tree). It gets about 25-30ft, blooms in spring; white, Very Fragrant blooms. How big is the pond? Just came to my mind that maybe if not too big you could use a pea trellis (made out of string), or maybe bird netting, placed over the pond just about the time the leaves will be flying. Then when the tree is bare you could just pull the netting out of the pond and dispose of the leaves. Or just use a skimmer net like they use for cleaning pools. Kathy.
Pix: Gypsophila paniculata (baby's breath) and clematis Prince Charles.
