Celebrating the 4th of July and Certified Arborists and Mourning the Loss of "Butch the Wonder Linden"

Wishing everyone a Happy July 4th!

And sharing with you the dramatic events of 6/30/09...

Longtime fellow garden bloggers will remember the 50-foot European Linden, to the left of GardenAuthor's humble abode. After 25 years of providing shade, it was time for this tree to be "put down." Dreading it toppling onto the neighbor's house during a storm, sick of the constantly dropping branches and twigs, tired of the sooty mold (from annual aphid infestations) dripping all over patio furniture and porch windows and worried about the branches rubbing across my new roof shingles in every breeze, the decision had to be made.

It had been professionally pruned twice in the past (by the same arborists) and, pole pruner in hand, I had done everything humanly possible to keep it away from the wires and porch roof.
The above photo, from last fall, also shows the unkempt appearance of my Kwanzan cherry, "Miss Kwanzan" (several seasonal odes to her appear at my "Waltzes with Words" blog), clearly in need of a "haircut"... now beyond the reach of my pole pruner. And then there's that tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), quite literally leaning on my neighbor's house... time for help!

"Who ya gonna call?" (No, not "Tree Busters!") Certified Arborists!

So, enter the professionals...

Now, that's what I'd call a pole pruner!

Here, on the North Shore, the vehicles and crews of
Mayer Tree Service have become a familiar sight,
as folks deal with trees that are troubled with insects,
disease, or perhaps in need of pruning or removal.

And so, the deconstruction begins.

Fed into the grinder...

which spews it into the truck.

The street-facing trunk is nearly limbed.

Time out for a glimpse of the Kwanzan cherry this spring.

More evidence that Miss Kwanzan has lost her
neatly coiffed look ~ getting positively shaggy!

Here she is, with a lot off the top and "a little off the sides"...

Later in the day, she's definitely looking more refined,
as she anchors the front bed and provides a bit of privacy.

Here's that spectacular tree lilac,
which I never had time to post this spring...

However, on this overcast day, with the blooms fading fast,
it was time for a "day of beauty." My wayward Syringa
was leaning up against my very patient neighbor's house
(they never montioned it, so I decided to be proactive)
~ time for action!

Judicious pruning brought it back to the property line,
and manageability once again.

Meanwhile, back at the linden...

Here, some of the big wood is coming down.
Look closely, you'll see a log in mid-air.

Another action-shot with falling log.

Getting pretty bright up there, even if it is overcast!

GOING...
(yes, that's a falling branch in mid-air, by the roof peak)

GOING...

GONE!

Down to the double trunks!

Just a little more work from the bucket...

Almost time for the ground crew to take over.

While I want to celebrate the end of so many linden-caused
problems, somehow I feel like I'm at a wake...
all that beautiful wood... the welcome shade,
the shelter for birds, but now.......

"Tree-in-a-box" is all that occurs to me.

Final Cut!

Final chunk headed for the shredder.

Yes, I requested a "souveneir" piece, last minute.
I enjoy wood carving, so maybe the linden will live
on as a nicnac (Ignoble ending for so noble a tree?
Maybe, but it's the best I can do.).

Like I said, tree-in-a-box!

But, what a box!
(Yes, this was taken early in the take-down.)
Since I was a child, I've had a fascination with
great looking trucks, and these are gorgeous!

My thanks to the hard working, considerate and
courteous crew of Mayer Tree Service, for their
expert handling of all the tasks at hand!

Now, maybe this one-sided Atlas Cedar will thrive,
along with the sunlight-starved weeping cherry,
without the competition of "Butch."

Are Lucy and I holding a graveside service for
"Butch, the Wonder Linden?"

Actually, there's a story here ~ This little hand-etched
headstone (obviously someone's long-forgotten pup was
buried on this property) was discovered in this yard,
by my dad, back in the forties and has been kicking
around ever since. A few years ago, I decided to prop it
up against the linden... it became hidden by a ground
cover of perennial geraniums and forgotten ~ until
yesterday, when it was discovered by the crew, just
before they wrecked their chainsaw on it.
Word to the wise - when you think you're all ready for
the tree crew, check again!

And if you think you can safely handle all your own
tree work, think again! Safety first! Call a professional -
a company like Mayer Tree Service,
Massachusetts Certified Arborists.

And life goes on! Lucy's not exactly dancing on Butch's grave,
merely finding another use for Butch's remains. Evidently,
this is the new observation deck for monitoring backyard
wildlife... she's now rededicated her hunting endeavors,
with the sudden influx of chipmunk activity at the summer bird
feeding stations... more of a challenge to her finely honed skills.

I guess I really didn't need a big tub of flowers, after all.
This is one variety of Patient Lucy that will thrive in
our newly sunny yard... if and when the sun makes a
guest appearance, one of these days!

We said our goodbyes on Sunday night,
looking up into the old Linden, one last time.

OK ~ This has nothing to do with anything... except, I just
wanted to show off my 5 new cedar window boxes
(there's one on the further end, too) and how well the
flowers are doing, despite a very late start and the
mostly cold, rainy miserable June we had...
which continues even now!

Wishing all my fellow bloggers, casual readers and
new visitors a wonderful weekend, as we celebrate
our nation's birthday...

Happy Fourth of July!

All Text & Photos ©Deb Lambert 2009

SUMMER SCHOOL FOR GARDENERS!

During a recent in-studio interview at WNBP in Newburyport, MA with 'GardenPup', clearly grooving to 'The Legends' musical selections, 'GardenAuthor' posed the following questions, in behalf of local gardeners and gardeners everywhere...

"Tell us, Lucy-Maude, would you recommend that folks listen to WNBP on Sunday mornings, from 8-10:00a, for weekly garden updates and answers to all those knotty garden problems?"

"Do you think they know about live-streaming at wnbp.com? And that anyone, from any garden on earth, can now listen and join in the Sunday garden conversation?"

"Tell all the local gardeners that our ever-popular, Saturday morning garden workshops are about to recommence, with a four-week summer semester? OK! Let's do....."

Corliss Bros. “Saturday Sessions” Return!

SUMMER SCHOOL’S IN SESSION ~ STARTING SATURDAY, JULY 11th

FOUR WEEKS TO HONE THOSE GARDENING SKILLS!

7/11 ~ Your Ultimate Rose Primer... Rose culture from planting to winterizing

7/18 ~ Backyard Produce... Success with backyard fruits and vegetables

7/25 ~ Go Native!... Growing native plants and attracting native wildlife

8/1 ~ Outdoor Living Rooms... Container gardens, garden rooms and backyard spas

Sign up for all four and enjoy lively, interactive classes with fellow gardeners!

Classes are FREE and are held here, at the Corliss campus, from 9-10:00a each Saturday, but plan to stay a little longer to take advantage of personal conferences and “field trips” afterward... Deb Lambert, Instructor

[Note: Our 9-week fall semester will commence this September 12th... details and sign-up sheets coming in Aug.]

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER? COME JOIN US IN THE GARDEN!

Just respond via my email address [gardenauthor1@verizon.net] and let me know how many spaces to save. I look forward to familiar faces, from semesters past, as well as the enthusiasm of new gardeners... what a great time to play in the garden!

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2009

Irrepressible Iris!

Here, in New England, we've enjoyed a real honest-to-goodness spring! The Iris displays have been especially outstanding... from old hybrids (whose proper names are long forgotten), holding their own among the lush weed growth or nestled by stone walls, to the wild yellow flag decorating the banks of an old irrigation pond.

Hope your spring is bringing you pleasure, wherever you garden!


Photos/Text ©Deb Lambert 2009

"LIVE STREAMING" THE CORLISS GARDEN SHOW!

Love gardening?
Love good garden conversation?
Have I got a garden broadcast for you!

"The Corliss Garden Show"
with Deb Lambert

We're live and local, but you needn't
be a New Englander to participate!

Can't receive WNBP, AM 1450?
Live well outside our local area?
Got a computer?

Yes, now - thanks to technology, you can listen to
"The Corliss Garden Show" hosted by yours truly,
on any given Sunday from 8-10a (Eastern Time)...
wherever on this green earth you garden!

Of course, local gardeners can still listen on 1450 AM, WNBP.

Want to call in with a specific question, or share your own
backyard success story with fellow gardeners?

Just call 978-462-WNBP!
(Between 8 & 10:00 any Sunday!)

'Lady Margaret' Passion Flower

Yes, here at "The Corliss Garden Show" we're as
passionate about gardening, as are you!

We're also delighted to present a weekly calendar of events,
of interest to local gardeners... garden tours, plant sales,
farmers' markets, etc. Submit your garden event to
gardenauthor1 (use the @ sign, followed by verizon.net)

Check out our Corliss Garden Show Bulletin Board
for the local "scoop!"

"See" you on the radio, this Sunday!

Meanwhile... see you in the garden!

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2009

UPON CLOSER INSPECTION...

Spring can be understated or as flamboyant as this
tulip, which surely deserved a second look.

Upon closer inspection, spring has sprung
and continues to spring, here in New England!

The thorny shadow of an ancient rose
provides the perfect foil for such flamboyance.

Sometimes a single daffodil bloom, nestled in
a crevice of a ledge outcropping, warrants closer
inspection...

even GardenAuthor's
GardenPup appreciates an in-depth look.

Hens and chicks have weathered yet another winter
and set about the business of trying to crowd out
the persistent grasses.

Trumpets, the color of sunshine, herald spring's arrival!

Spring skies that need contemplation.

A tough little violet, deserving our congratulations.

And the dreaded dandelion lifts its yellow mane
in celebration of this glorious day!

How did this happen? A Chionodoxa seems exuberant,
thriving in the crack 'twixt cement step and pavement.

Forsythia glows in the noonday sun.

And competes with an April sky.

All too soon, the maple saplings will refoliate,
obscuring the water view.

Imprisoned by grape vines gone wild, forgotten
daffodils prove their hardiness.

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

A weeping willow, clothed in a haze of tender gold.

Spring is in evidence at every garden center,
this time of year...

But even a lavish display, such as this,
deserves a closer look ~

See what I mean?

But, when all is said and done, even the most
avid seeker of spring deserves a nap
in the warm, spring sunshine!*

I hope that you, too, have found spring,
upon closer inspection!

* 'GardenPup' is an alias for my garden wing-dog, Lucy-Maude.
All Text And Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2009 / Pansy pics taken at Corliss Bros. Garden Center.

Happy Easter... Happy Spring!

Saturday, April 10th... the day before Easter Sunday
was cold, windy and rainy... typical Spring in
New England weather. But, inside the garden shop,
everything was in full bloom!

Jackie worked her own particular magic,
creating some wonderful, artistic spring baskets!

All the Easter lilies were majestic and a few,
like this one, had over 20 blooms and buds.

Cheerful, perky Cineraria...
the perfect way to brighten a gloomy day!

Great armloads of blue from Hydrangea macrophylla!
(Most likely H. macrophylla Hortensia -
the greenhouse hydrangea.)

Gardenia

Indoor Azalea

Prettier with the stamens intact, although removing them
resolves the petal staining that usually occurs.

Mother...

Baby and...

Father Bunny......

Wish one and all a Happy Easter
and joyous spring season!

All Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2009

YOUR APRIL ISSUE OF 'CORLISS CLIPS' IS READY!

Click on this message for transport to the April garden newsletter... it's huge, informative and has a "how to" on building a raised bed, submitted by one of my students... you'll love it! Your April 'Corliss Clips' awaits your perusal...

PRESS RELEASE...

New Garden Show Slated for March 29th Debut

What do you get when you combine an Ipswich Garden Center, Newburyport radio station and a Yankee gardener? “The Corliss Garden Show" with Deb Lambert, presented Sunday mornings from 8-10a, on WNBP, AM 1450. Yes, garden talk is alive and well and, starting on March 29th, local.

In uncertain times, folks take great comfort in hearth and home and, of course, in their gardens. Gardens provide sanctuary from the world’s cares, as well as a place to grow one’s own food. Always a popular topic, gardening is experiencing a phenomenal rise in popularity, once again. And here, on the North Shore, gardeners have long preferred to remain loyal to local merchants and services. Which is why, adding a local radio component makes perfect sense.

Call in, on any given Sunday, and receive thorough, in-depth answers to your garden questions. Timely tips, product recommendations and general advice... all based on a shared concern for this North Shore environment. Garden conversation is not a lost art, as you’ll discover Sunday mornings, from 8-10a, when you tune in to “The Corliss Garden Show" with Deb Lambert on WNBP, 1450 on your AM dial.

'DOG'S EYE VIEW' UPDATE ~ Shopping Spree & Naked Rats... "SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP" over at Lucy's blog! 'GardenAuthor's 'GardenPup' has been at it, again! Click anywhere here, for transport...

©Deb Lambert 2009

BACKYARD BIRD INVENTORY CONTINUES...

TUFTED TITMOUSE

"Bad hair day?" This feisty little fellow is
very confident and fairly argumentative.

See what I mean? Notice the open beak, as he presents an off-camera associate of his with a series of epithets, hurled with much vim and vigor. In the interest of good taste, I decided to "bleep" the colorful language.

My, what big eyes you have!

The better to keep watch over the photographer, evidently.

He does love that suet!


NORTHERN CARDINAL

Obviously, the male cardinal...
so showy against a snowy backdrop.

And, the missus!

Female cardinal, in flight.

Early winter, before the bright green
onion grass turned brown.


BLUE JAY

"Hello - what's this? Fresh peanuts in the shell?"

"Wow, these must be the deluxe, jumbo-sized goobers!"

"But, with this sharp beak, all things are possible...
thanks, lady! Now, to get airborne!"

"Now, to tackle that plump peanut!"

"Finding peanuts in the snow? Priceless!
Now, if I could only remember where they were,
before the snow started flying."

"BRR! Maybe a little suet to warm up?"

So photogenic!


STARLINGS

Talk about juxtaposition ~ these greasy, noisy, pushy, rude, homely birds descend in sky-blackening hoards to raid seed and suet feeders. They waddle about the yard and granite steps, like they owned the place. And, they're not exactly hygienically-correct... leaving their deposits everywhere.

Their one good trait, during breeding season,
is that they consume enormous quantities of backyard
insects and are especially fond of slugs.

Oh, and when they line up, in this organized manner,
for a photo op... they're not so bad!


House Finch

Males and females.

Congenial, talkative little birds that frequently associate
with the house sparrows, conducting impromptu
sing-song sessions!


CAROLINA WREN

Not a great pic, but the only one, to date (camera-shy!).


AMERICAN ROBIN

Arrived back on January 26th, with a flock of about seven.

The others left, after a few days, but this hardy little guy remained... existing on our dry, wrinkled aronia berries, a few viburnum and holly berries and a bit of suet. He's still waiting for his "fair weather friends" to return.

CANADA GEESE

Practicing maneuvers this winter, for a trip they never took.

The recent arrival of red-winged blackbirds and grackles... massive numbers, who always seem to arrive en masse in one big, noisy gregarious group. The swamp is a huge attractant, especially to the blackbirds. When nesting season commences, the flocks will thin out and they'll each go back to their own kind. For now, my feeding stations are drawing in the hungry hoards.

If you missed the very large bird posting of 3/9/09 (10 birds were profiled), just keep on scrolling ~ it was posted as separate components, which may have baffled some readers... all I can say is, keep scrolling till you run out of birds. Have fun!

Text & Photos ©Deb Lambert 2008/2009

Ahhh! Spring in New England! PRESENTING THE LONGEST BIRDING POST IN THE HISTORY OF BLOGGING... JUST KEEP SCROLLING!

Rain, sleet and heavy, wet snow...
'GardenAuthor' and 'GardenPup'
are enjoying a snow day, at home.

Would we rather the sun were shining, the
birds singing and the garden center bustling
with customers, only too ready for spring?

Absolutely! We are sooo ready for spring!

But, we're making the best of it ~ Lucy's
catching up on some much-needed rest,
after starting her full time schedule last week.

I'm finally blogging and decided to do my
annual backyard bird inventory. In the past,
I had no pictures to accompany my list, so this
year should prove more interesting.

While I'm far from being able to present photos
of all my backyard guests, I had some new visitors
and managed to capture some candid shots of old favorites.

Although I'm only using a little Polaroid
digital camera, most are fairly clear.

Ignore the winter scenery, above... let's go do some
virtual birdwatching, coutesy of iPhoto! This will be
a long trek, so I've divided our trip into sections.
First up, will be my prize photo capture, my backyard
juvenile Cooper's Hawk.

Enjoy our winter birding trip!

Photos & Text ©Deb Lambert 2008/2009

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk ~ This Goes Out to Maryclaire...

Taken on three different occasions... we get a fairly good look at his markings, particularly that gorgeous tail. The last two photos, taken during a snowstorm, had him remaining in each position for close to two hours... watching feeding songbirds but, happily, not partaking of them.

Next up, is a little bird that first found our yard late last winter (March) and she came back even earlier this year!


Text & Photos ©Deb Lambert 2008/2009

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

This little female Ruby-Crowned Kinglet first appeared last March, immediately making herself at home, sharing suet and seeds with the other songbirds. At only 3½" from beak to tail tip, this tiny, lively, feisty little bird fared quite well in these environs. Several weeks later, a little male Ruby-Crowned Kinglet appeared and I never noticed them again, for the rest of the season. She's been around all winter this year, dining regularly and seeming to enjoy the company of sparrows, house finches and juncos. Perhaps her wandering mate will reappear soon. I'm just amazed at the survival and tenacity of this tiny bird, throughout this tough New England winter.


All Text & Photos ©Deb Lambert 2008/2009