An afternoon of wandering round the beautiful English countryside. Summer is blissful isn't it. I'm quite envious of the people who live in lovely Cotswold villages. All that beautiful old stone and roses round the door.
I saw a lovely evergreen that had been cut into a nice dome.
I have an evergreen by my front gate that is fairly unruly and is taking off at the top. I'm wondering if I can persuade it to turn into something similar. I guess I start by cutting off all the lower branches. Not sure if I'm brave enough, there's a high chance it will look utterly ridiculous instead of elegant and classy. Although of course that might be more apt. Any suggestions or advice? I'm very tempted to start meddling with it. More sawing. It occurs to me that it might be a slippery slope. Nothing will be safe.
Wishing all a good summer Sunday. CJ xx
What lovely summery photos of green hills and gorgeous residences. We've also got a small shrub which I'm planning on trimming into a more interesting shape. I'm thinking cloud topiary. Maybe that would suit your evergreen? Hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteCathy x
I want a piggie weathervane..
ReplyDeleteIf your evergreen does look ridiculous at first it will grow again - go for it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos - I love the tree swinging one. Can't wait to see your topiary - how about something in the style of Dr. Seuss?! xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, and I too want a piggie weather vane. Those houses are just lovely, there is something about the warmth of the Cotswold stone that is so enchanting. No idea about the topiary - go for it, what can possibly go wrong. ;-) xx
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures. Be adventurous, get sawing and snipping. Have fun when you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and you too. Flighty xx
I say go for it, it will soon grow back if it all goes wrong. Beautiful photos, of a beautiful part of the country.
ReplyDeleteI have no advice about evergreens. I have one that is currently making it very difficult to alight from the passenger side of my husband's car. I could cut it back but I'm afraid to cut much because it will look weird, and possibly hurt its growth, so I live with the scratches on my legs. Friend of nature or just really lazy? :)
ReplyDeleteGo for it. If it looks terrible it'll grow back :-) xx
ReplyDeleteGo for it CJ! Richard just transformed an unruly multistem bay tree into an 'elegant' canopy tree.... just because. Evergreens are quite forgiving I think. In any case, if it looks a bit odd, it will add to the general interest in your road, a sightseeing hotspot :-) and you've had fun sawing. Enjoy your holidays! We are back to school tomorrow and I can't wait. xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful village walk, England at it's prettiest. On the evergreens I say go for it, nothing ventured nothing gained! Enjoy your hopefully sunny Sunday evening. Anna xx
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the domed evergreen itself is pretty silly looking, so you have a good chance that whatever shape you prune your tree into, it won't look any worse. I'm all for the natural look myself.
ReplyDeleteNothing ventured nothing gained! You might discover a hidden talent for topiary :)
ReplyDeleteI say go for something more fantastical, like clouds or a rooster! how fun.
ReplyDeleteyour cottage pictures scream classic "English countryside" to me, and it's a joy to know that is a reality, not lost in some bygone era. lucky you!
I have an evergreen in my front garden. I'm not allowed to touch it or the rose bush next to it. My eighty year old neighbour looks after them but I'm tempted to lop the top off when he isn't looking! Old stone houses are lovely aren't they? I wistfully stare at the lovely old bricks of the cottage opposite to my house and then glare at the 1950 bricks of mine x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures on the English countryside. I was recently told that professional photographers always try to get something red in their pictures as it makes them stand out. I can see this too in some of the pictures you have taken! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images dear C.J. so many beautiful stone houses, vistas, gardens and trees. Love the topiary, I'm sure you could transform your tree beside the gate.
ReplyDeleteHappy week!
xoxoxo. 💐
You make summer look so good CJ! I say go for it. Here's my only useless piece of advice. No matter how it turns out -- even if you abandon it in mid-attempt, just tell them, "That's what I meant to do." or the Pee Wee Herman version, "I meant to do that." Hard to argue with, isn't it? hehe.
ReplyDeletei really want to live in one of those lovely cottages! *sigh* so very lovely.
ReplyDeletegood luck with the decorative pruning...i suppose it's a bit like a haircut - if it goes awry all you have to do is wait and it eventually grows back. ;) xo
Gorgeous photos, I love the look of England in summer, we've never managed to be there for a summer. Also would love the pig weather vane!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite shot is the one of one of your sons hanging from the tree branch. That just says summer--and I agree, this season is pure bliss to me too. I don't know a thing about trimming hedges or trees, but I say go for it! And document the experience please :)
ReplyDelete