Viewing the garden from above - Part 2

Tip pruning the canopy and select branches of Angel’s Trumpet: Datura, is also necessary throughout spring and summer for maintaining views from above of the rear planting areas. Although this tree is frost tender in many climates, we are fortunate to be able to grow it well in the Bay Area, where there are several nice varieties to choose from.

Badly formed plants such as the leggy growing purple flowering Princess Tree: Tibouchina, was a candidate for a severe heading back. While this pruning technique leaves the tree looking hacked and butchered for several months following, on a healthy specimen, dormant buds will grow from the woody stumps creating a new floriforous head.

As with all gardens, the seasons bring about changes, creating new expressions. With fall upon us, our job for view enhancement is nearly complete, once the Podocarpus tree is pruned. After that, we will have many months to concentrate on the understory and plantings.