Actually I shouldn't have taken it on at all, being as I'm hopelessly overloaded with work already, but when you're offered the chance to garden at a 16th-century house which happens to contain the village museum, and it's got a wisteria on the front that's at least 60 years old, probably older, then I ask you - how can you possibly resist?
Four hours later... this is how it looked. In the end it wasn't too difficult, just time-consuming: I worked my way along all those main branches and took back every side shoot to about 2-3 buds, though I went easy on those which were obviously about to flower so the owner would have a little bit to look forward to this spring. As I said to her, once I've given it its summer pruning too, it'll be back under control, and with luck and a following wind, it'll be smothered in flowers next year. And she'll be able to see out of her windows, too!
Altogether now... 'What a difference a day makes...'
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend CG!
Well gosh! When I first looked at the 'after' shot, I thought 'she's wrecked it.' But then I looked more carefully, and read your bit about pruning all the side shoots, and suddenly felt absolutely exhausted.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful plant which should shine and thrive under your protection. Wisterias are magnificent when the pruned stems get increasingly gnarled and ancient.
I'd be a bit worried about that damp patch, though! The gutter spigot thingy must be blocked. Ouch!
yes I confess (I hope my client doesn't read gardening blogs - doubt it somehow) that I had my heart in my mouth as I started. I've dealt with plenty of wisterias, but none as old as this one. I may still have wrecked it as it's bound to have been a bit of a shock to the poor old girl: but I did try hard not to be too hard on her! Fingers crossed...
ReplyDeleteand yes the building is in less than good repair. I think money has been rather short for a while now. Some of the tiles are very loose on the roof, too.
and have a good weekend VP and all, too :D
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ReplyDeleteGood work! I am impressed.
ReplyDeleteI've been removing the massive and monstrous from my garden over the past couples years. Simply cannot keep up with the power gardening I could once accomplish after losing myself in pruning. Drop by my Bay Area blog,
Another comment but this one, a question:
ReplyDeleteAfter finding your blog, is there a way to find your plot on Blotanical if you have a different username there?
I didn't see a 'wellylady' ....
my blog: http://BayAreaTendrils.blogspot.com
I'm The Constant Gardener on Blotanical Alice :D
ReplyDeletethanks for the link - I'll be over shortly...!