The Apple Stick

I don't usually post about plantings outside of the "official" garden area, but this year I am making an exception for the apple tree planted in our front yard and lovingly known to our family as "The Apple Stick." 

When first planted in 2014, it literally was a small stick that my wife purchased online and had delivered in a box by mail.

 

Since 2014 it has only produced a few apples, mostly over the last couple of years. This spring, however, we noticed a dramatic change. The tree is sprouting many more blossoms than we have ever seen in the past, and the blossoms are lasting a significant amount of time, especially given the near constant rain we have had this last week.

The blossoms are simply beautiful.

Although not in the Zen garden, its a nice focal point for our home and anyone visiting the Zen garden this spring.

Lets hope all these blossoms result in an abundance of apples during the coming fall.

Deadwood

Today was the first time this spring that it was nice enough to get out into the garden. The snow is finally melted and now the cleanup begins. 

I began with  an annual necessity - the clipping of dead wood from the Dwarf Maple along the Dragon Spine area. Doing this early ensures that all the new energy needed for growth goes to where it needs to be within the limbs. It also cleans up the tree and frees up space for future foliage. 

It takes a while because you do not want to clip off living material.

I find it easier to use a small clipper and then let the branches fall to the ground. 

This is also a good time to think about trimming the tree back a bit, but I find it difficult to do without foliage. It’s harder to visualize, so I often wait until later in the garden season.

When I am all done, I rake them up and dispose of them in the back woodlot.

It doesn't take long, just care. Some may think it tedious, but I enjoy the meditative concentration it requires when clipping.

Many people often buy these Dwarf Maples and then ignore them and let them grow large and full of foliage. This is not always good for the tree. It will require maintenance several times each garden season. Keeping it trimmed will improve the esthetic look of the tree and improve its long term health, so be prepared before you plant one - they need love and care.