Eat, Sleep, Sweep

Oak Park, California

June 29, 2012

Welcome back to Shove Hoe Garden Blog and thanks for reading.

 From time to time as a homeowner you inherit trees and plants that don’t fit your taste or the type of garden you’re trying to create. The idea I try to stay with is relocating a plant or tree if it will be better suited for the garden in a different area. I've done this with a Peace Rose and numerous plants and shrubs. Then there is a plant or tree that has no other location on your property. For me, I have such a tree, a Jacaranda tree and actually, I have two. 

One is the tree with the purple flowers that is just awesome to look at when flowering. I also have one that has these puff balls that can litter a whole street the first day it flowers. This tree has not only outgrown its area (on the parkway adjacent to the street) but, has to be one the messiest trees I have ever owned. I had 2 at my first house and has now followed me to Oak Park. I’ve tolerated this tree (when flowering) by going out to sweep the street and sidewalk daily. I’ve tolerated the Jacaranda for over 15 years because it is a beautiful tree in blossom and offers epic shade in the hot summer months. This weekend the tree trimmer is taking the tree down. When the wind blows this tree has woken me up because I thought it would fall down. I mean, take a look at the picture and see how such a large tree has outgrown the area it was planted in. This tree was planted by the previous owner who thought the roots would not be a problem which  I totally understand. They believed this tree would not be a problem since it was a small tree when he planted it according to the owner we bought the home from. When we pulled up to look at the house, it was the first thing I noticed and was quickly reminded of the two trees I left in Sylmar. The tree was planted right above the water and sewer lines are located which, is the main reason I feel it is time for this tree to be removed before the roots destroy these vital life lines to our home. Now let me discuss the puffballs this tree can generate daily. These are great looking flowers as long as they are on the tree. They are everywhere when they fall from the tree! 

When it flowers they come and die immediately. They start in early June and do not stop dropping until late August. It’s time for the tree to go. I know for a fact that my neighbors as great as they are, may just be happier that I am for taking this tree out because of the puff balls it drops. I couldn't keep up with the sweeping. This is bittersweet since I gDon’t get me wrong, If I had a big yard no, a huge yard, I would plant one in the middle and this tree would be the epic shade tree. But alas, I live in the burbs and this tree has to leave. Maybe one day, I may have a big yard and if I do, the Jacaranda will be one of the first trees I will buy.  So the lesson here is if you plan on buying trees or shrubs, make sure you have researched what that little 1 or 5 gallon plant will grow up to be. There are many online resources to assist in seeing what a plant will look like in 3-5 years. My plans for the curbside include a miniature garden on one side and some great succulents throughout once I can eradicate the grass. Stay tuned for upcoming photos of this makeover. Have a great weekend!