So back in May I talked to my landlord about getting another tree in my yard. They were very excited and gave me the green light to plant whatever I thought was best. As a tree lover, it was challenging enough decide, but I also had to keep in mind the sun, soil and space conditions to give my new tree the best chance.
I went back and forth between the red maple (Acer rubrum) with its tiny red flowers that come out in the spring and are striking under a setting sun and the hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) with its interesting ridged bark and habitat for birds and butterflies.
I have a smaller space and nearby trees cast shade through part of the day so I needed a medium sized tree that would do well without full sun. Luckily I have the type of sandy-loam soil (a mix of a lot of sand, and some silt and clay) that most trees do well in.
In the end, the best option seemed to be the ironwood (Ostrya virginiana). Most of all I picked it because I love its plated bark that looks like long, vertical shingles once it matures, and its inconspicuous pale-green flowers that dangle elegantly each May.
Once I decided on the right tree I started thinking it might like some company, so talked to LEAF’s Melissa Williams, to see what shrubs were in stock. I almost went with the red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) for the bright red branches that look amazing against a fresh snowfall, but because I wanted something a bit shorter, I took the purple flowering raspberry (Rubus odoratus). How can you go wrong with beautiful purple flowers and sweet little berries?
My shrub will be delivered in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, my tree was planted and my husband is already excited for the day it will cast shade over our attic bedroom. For the moment the leaves are turning and should be falling off any day now, and I know that the real Halloween magic will be starting underground...
