Black Gum "Afterburner"

 

Earlier in the Spring, the Cercidiphylum japonicum 'Heronswood Globe' died, with leaves turning brown and dropping off during a short period with little rain.  It has been struggling for all the years since a large Tulip Popular in our neighbor's yard, which provided wonderful afternoon shade, was cut down.  

We cut off the branches, and put a few birdhouses from our collection on the remaining stumps.  It helped provide some whimsy after losing the tree.

After a long search of what was available locally, and waiting for a 50% off sale at one nursery, I bought a Nyssa sylvatica, or Black Gum, 'Afterburner.'  Research confirmed it is a small, tough tree, which is needed for the site.  Then came a three week wait for the temperatures to drop to a more reasonable level before planting the tree.

Last week we planted the new Black Gum.  It is about two feet from the previous tree, to the left side in this photo.  It appears to be settling in very well, even with new growth.  

It will take some time before it provides shade for the ferns below, and provides the central axis around which the labyrinth circles.  It will be a few years before becoming an established presence.  But as a gardener, I have had to learn to live with hope for what will happen even when trees die.