Sunday, April 15, 2012

Spring Migration

Every year it happens.  We pick up our shovels when the ground finally softens and start to dig.


It's tree planting time again.  Before the buds burst, while the trees are still sleeping, we dig them up and move them.    New additions have made their way into the hedgerow and meadow.  Tiny, slightly misshapen spruces, from the field next to us that kept getting mowed down by the tractor, were dug and moved to where they can spread their branches and grow.


As was this petite red osier dogwood.  Now a perfect addition to the wet spot in the entrance bed.  


Moved out of the entrance bed were the lilacs and red elderberry.  I felt like this area was getting somewhat crowded and the lilacs could use a sunnier aspect.  So off they went to a new area.  I know I said I wouldn't start any new projects this year but I had no choice really.


The lilacs and elderberry needed a new place to live and why not start a new hedge/mixed bed with them?  As you can see above, the shrubs (no leaves yet so look for the mounds of dirt!) were planted alongside the driveway.  I hope to create a screen between the driveway and the field beyond.  So far two lilacs, one red elderberry, one highbush cranberry and one mockorange have been relocated to this area.  This area will likely be left as it is until next year as I have other projects on the go but I've got a number of ideas percolating that have me rather excited.  I'm so tickled that spring is finally here!

26 comments:

Laurrie said...

In my mind, the best projects involve moving and planting trees! You've made some nice additions / moves, and it will be so rewarding to see them flourish and fill out.

Aagaard Farms said...

It's coming along nicely! Do you use any rooting hormone or transplant fertilizer or such a product when moving shrubs?

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

You two are an energetic couple! Good for you to move the spruces to give them room. I love elderberries, had a few in VA and the birds loved them.
Your projects are big projects, ours are smaller, far less strenuous. I applaud you!

RURAL said...

It's a little like a domino effect, you move one plant, and the next thing you find yourself doing is making another garden bed. Great idea to move the little evergreens to a safer spot.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Not start any new projects! Really that was funny. It looks like this spontaneous project is going to work out great. Happy Spring.

Donna@GWGT said...

Your property is a constant project. lol. But, don't those growing shrubs just sneak up on you sometimes?

Gardeningbren said...

It's always lovely to see your farm, and the progress you are making. Funny about those projects though...you start one thing, that turns into two things and before you know it...a whole new bed!! Looks great.

Jennifer said...

Hi Marguerite, It is nice that spring is finally here, isn't it? This is the perfect time to move things around and I have lots of dividing to do. I wish we had some more rain though! It is one of the things that makes spring the best time for transplanting.

HolleyGarden said...

No new projects this year? Surely you knew that would never happen! :) And you have ideas percolating, too! Yes, sounds like a year full of projects! ;)

Marcelle said...

This is one of the reasons I love spring - time to get outside and dream up lots of big and little projects for the property.

What a great way to re-use trees from your property; no need to spend lots at a nursery when you can dig 'em up in your field.

Your screen between the driveway and field is going to be beautiful! Lilacs are so wonderful, I just wish they grew faster.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Marguerite girl I can read your excitement in your typing here ! .. Nothing like little new lives to place around and about where you want them to grow and imagine what they will be like when they are older .. and I am thinking they will be gorgeous !
Joy
PS .. can't wait to smell lilacs !!

Casa Mariposa said...

I love having a project on simmer. It gives me time to think the idea through. I'm glad you saved the little trees. :o) They'll make a fabulous screen. It will be like having you own mini forest when they're grown.

Curbstone Valley Farm said...

I agree with Holley. I'm not sure I know what a year is without new or unexpected projects! ;) Moving trees and shrubs is not my favorite thing to do, but it's always worth the extra effort when they thrive in their new location.

Marguerite said...

All these shrubs have had a year or two of growth already so this was a really satisfying move as they look like proper shrubs and I can see this area already coming together. Now I'm itching to buy myself a few more!

Marguerite said...

no fertilizers at all. I used to add a bit of compost with the soil but I've since heard that if you do that the roots don't want to stretch out into the soil around the planting hole so I've stopped that practice and just make sure the soil is well loosened and they get plenty of water.

Marguerite said...

if you could have heard my husband swearing when we moved that big lilac you probably would laugh rather than applaud. He doesn't mind moving the bitsy spruces as you can literally shovel them up 3 at a time but a three year old lilac was another matter. He told me I better pick a darn good spot for it cause he refuses to move it again!

Marguerite said...

That was exactly it. I really didn't mean to start a new bed but those lilacs had to be moved and moved NOW before they broke out in leaves.

Marguerite said...

Lisa, you're right, I really ought to know better!

Marguerite said...

Donna, is it ever. We've started on a new inside project as well. It's never ending. I was surprised how big that lilac had gotten while I wasn't looking. Didn't think it would take much to move it but was I wrong.

Marguerite said...

Exactly. At first it was just a lilac that needed to be moved but once we got going we found several other shrubs that we weren't quite happy with the location and now suddenly there's a hedge.

Marguerite said...

Love this time of year. It's cool enough that digging all these trees isn't completely exhausting. Moving perennials is up next on the list!

Marguerite said...

While I suspected I might find a new project to do I had hoped to put it off until later in the season. Now it seems I'm starting with a new project before I've even looked at the other jobs on my list.

Marguerite said...

Marcelle, the first year we were here we spent quite a bit on trees. Some of the purchases I don't mind but others I wish I had thought to check our ditches first! It's amazing what we've found just looking in our own backyard.

Marguerite said...

me too!! I really hope moving these shrubs hasn't ruined any potential flowers for this year.

Marguerite said...

Tammy, I need to spend more time letting projects simmer. I seem to be good at that in the house but I tend to jump in with both feet in the garden before I really know what I'm doing. I too can't wait to see these little trees grow up, it was such a shame seeing them constantly getting run down.

Marguerite said...

It's hard work moving these big plants but well worth the effort. Our property is so flat and bare right now, I can't wait to see these babies grow up and start to fill the space in.