Even in winter progress has been made on the woodland garden. We have had some slightly warmer and sunnier days this week. I hired a local landscaper, Lynn Warren, to help me with the removal of all the debris I generated over the summer and fall in the woodland garden. I had large piles of fallen trees, branches and the Japanese Honeysuckle I had removed.
The clearing of the debris demonstrates that many hands make light work, as it took me a few months to dig, chop and cut the invasive plants and dead branches, but it only took me and a crew of 5 to clear it one day.
Having bare ground will allow for further planning and refinement. Paths will be installed using the wood chips from the clearing. The paths will provide distinct areas to landscape in the coming Spring.
The fallen tree in the photos above has been on the ground for decades. The decay is good for the environment. As it is currently quite porous and disintegrating, it will make a perfect log for planting. In November, I planted some ferns in the log and I am waiting to see if they will grow in Spring. There are still decaying branches scattered throughout the woodland garden. One area of the woodland garden has been designated for the accumulation of decaying wood to provide hiding places for small animals and insects.
January is often too cold and snowy to comfortably work outside. The break of a few nice days was a welcome chance to work in the woodland garden. Spring Fever will now begin building in earnest.