Willow Tree Path

Nicotianas in the Willow Tree Path

The Willow Tree Garden is the most recent new development at Mooseys - digging was finished in the spring of 2003. I've built a small path so a tired gardener can reach (and enjoy) the shade of the Willow Tree, with its stylish resident plastic seat.

Nicotiana Sylvestris

Large Nicotiana Sylvestris plants grow energetically in this garden. More than occasionally the path is blocked by their tall bulky stems and large green leaves. When the Nicotianas get far too ridiculous I pull them out - but they are a favourite plant...

I've also planted tussock grasses and variegated Hebes to one side, and placed my usual stones along the path edges. Then there are the rhododendrons - bargain bin plants with no labels and as yet unknown flower colours.

The path connects the lawn with the big Willow Tree by the water's edge. Actually it's a Willow Stump, but that doesn't sound quite as romantic! The water race burbles past, and restful views over the water include the recently developed Dog Kennel Garden, and the lawns at the back of the garage.

The Stylish Green Plastic Garden Chair

This path has a destination - a sage green plastic bucket seat - not very chic, but oh so functional (easy to keep clean) and comfortable. I chain it to a nearby post to stop it blowing away.

The Willow Tree Path in Winter

Blue pansies and white annual daisies are always self seeding in the middle of the Willow Tree Path - I usually remove them with a hand digger and replant them in the adjacent garden. Unfortunately there is a lot of the creeping weed Sorrell in the lawn, so it's hard to keep the path weed-free.

The path stops under the broad branches growing from the Willow stump. In winter the tree is bare of leaves, but it's still a great place to stop to rest with a drink and a book. In this new garden the plants around the path are still growing, so things may change!