Doublefile in the spotlight


Things at GWI these days are mostly green: a lot of promise, but not much color. My Single Lates are still hanging on in front (I almost feel like telling them, oh drop your petals already). Other than that, the viburnum tomentosum above is my showiest plant at the moment. It’s about six feet tall, which seems high, but Botanica lists it as getting at least that big if left unpruned. (Pruning? What’s that?)

It nicely embraces this sculpture and provides a needed screen for this little corner, which shows a bit of my neighbor’s unlovely back door area, also blocking the unattractive chain link that divides our properties here. This is quite a shady area too, so I feel lucky to have been successful with the shrub. It’s not the native variety, sadly, though some of the natives I’ve seen around here are worried by really bad insect problems. I gave Michele my viburnum book, or I’d regale with you with minutia on this variety. Suffice it to say that it’s my very favorite shrub, before the hydrangeas, and well before the under-performing rhododendrons in front. If I replaced them, I would consider viburnums; I’m not a great believer in winter interest these days. The only thinking about this one is that I don’t see many berries on it.

I even have a name for it, which it shares with the sculpture and its creator: Burke.

Comments

What a knockout viburnum. It is a good thing it is so striking or the sculpture would be overwhelming. That sculpture is so cool. When I first looked at it I thought it was a suit of armor. After closer inspection I realized it wasn't. The sculpture is very interesing.
EAL said…
Thanks Lisa! I realize the sculpture is not for everyone, so I'm glad you like it. The different elements are bronze and aluminum castings, some from the artist's body. The framework they hang from is salvaged steel. The heads and torso also have clappers inside them that make them ring, but you must push them to make it happen--won't happen in the wind. Which is well because it's more like a gong sound than a chime sound.
Anonymous said…
I wondered if they chimed or more accurately made noise. Beautiful spot, Elizabeth. I'd like to incorporate some sculpture into my garden, but since I don't know anyone who sculpts, it would be an expensive proposition.
Gail said…
Wonderful shrubs the viburnums and the natives are underused...I have a sweet maple leaf viburnum, terrific fall color. Black berries. EAL, that sculpture is incredible...I like the framework almost as much!

Gail
I love the sculpture. Sure beats the trash they sell at the big box stores.

Robin at Bumblebee
kate smudges said…
The viburnum is beautiful and looks wonderful with the sculpture ... you've obviously found the perfect location for both.
Carol Michel said…
I do like the viburnum and agree that every garden ought to have at least one, if not more, viburnums. The sculpture? Ummm... okay, like you said it isn't for everyone.

Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Anonymous said…
Very interesting garden corner! Do you dress your sculpture for special occasions? I like it!
Anonymous said…
You have lots of company in loving the doublefile - it's probably the most popular Vib of all. The berrying is a puzzle to me, though. Some winters it's a striking mass of red, others not at all. Haven't figured that out.

Now about pruning. Gotta do it! They look best with rejuvenation pruning, which means removing the tallest/oldest stem or two all the way to the ground every year. Counterintuitive, I know.
Anonymous said…
what a nice set-up, I want one in my garden.
That is a great sculpture for a garden, quite creepy at first glance, which is what attracted me to it! I has that nice 'dismembered zombie being re-cycled effect'. :)

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