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It’s no secret that as far as gardening is concerned, I’m still a beginner. Or even less than a beginner. A nonstarter? A plant killer? Anyway, point is, I was a little fearful that the trauma my azaleas experienced earlier this spring might keep them from blooming. Which trauma, you might ask? This:
I mean, if 2,000 pounds of tree landed on top of me, I don’t think I’d be doing much of anything, either. But, it turns out, these beauties are a lot stronger than I ever anticipated.
Without the trees though, they are awkwardly placed around the back yard—seemingly without a reason as to why they were put in that exact spot. So, the plan is to eventually move them. They’ve done extremely well in the spots they are placed now, but replanting them along the fence line (where some of the bigger azalea shrubs are already doing quite well) will help to do three things:
- help me better plan the yard for future upgrades
- hide the metal fencing on the left (I’d like to eventually add some wooden fencing on that side, but it’s just not in the cards right now), and
- get out of Charlie’s way (and more specifically, the long leash that I have to use so that she doesn’t jump my fence)
I’m still finishing the overall plan for how to make everything work better together, but I’ll be able to share some of my ideas with you soon. I’ve been reading up on the best time to move the azaleas, so I’m thinking I’ll wait until the blooms fall away (or maybe the fall?) so that they can re-establish in plenty of time before next winter. I also have to figure out what to do with all of the new voids, which are currently throwing a backyard party for all the weeds (and various other debris, such as mulched pine stumps, pine cones, bits of landscaping fabric, etc):
In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the show. Happy Monday!
the azaleas look great! i wish we could plant them in austin, but it’s too dry here (and i aim to have a garden that requires little to no additional water all year long). anyway, the best time to move any large plant or shrub (in general) is during their annual dormant period (so during winter). definitely do your research, but that’s what i’ve always heard and done. now, winters in texas are a lot warmer than winters in georgia, but still. you want to get perennials to their new spots at the end of the winter but before they start budding out for spring. good luck!
I have never had much luck with azaleas. :) I always try to plant new stuff in April or early May. Unless you are awesome at watering, you don’t want to do it while it’s super hot here. (I’m Gwinnett County.) :)
The azaleas are beautiful! I don’t think they’ve even budded up here in CT yet. A couple thoughts to add variety if you want. Since azaleas are so happy in your yard, rhodedendrons would most likely work well and be happy as would andromeda. Andromeda is evergreen, retaining its leaves year round and comes with white or pink flowers and are faster growing than rhodies and azaleas.
Good to know. Thanks for the suggestion!
interestingly enough Im preparing to tear out my azalea bush in the front yard. Its overgrown and pink and doesnt do anything for me. My uncle once told me “anything growing where I dont want it to is a weed”
Taking that to heart and tearing out an azalea and rhododendrun this spring.
They look so beautiful! My garden is still just seedlings at the moment, but I can’t wait to watch mine grow. In the meantime I do get to see great pics like these azaleas! So pink!