I noticed a lot of dead branches on my large butterfly bush, which really does draw butterflies when it blooms. So I trimmed it a little. I raked up a big pile of brush. But I realized as I got in the car this morning it still has dead spots, and not just the big branches near the bottom. I'm waiting for my brother to come with his chain saw to get those thicker lower branches. So this afternoon, I took my clippers to it again. I started trying to shape it, but had second thoughts. After pulling out the parasitic vine the other day and clipping more dead pieces, I think shaping is the least of my worries. I will let it dangle naturally whichever way it likes until it blooms. Hopefully, it will fill out some more. I raked up enough rush to double the pile I started with. You can see through the bush now. Who knew that the greenery in it was really just the vine choking it out. The leaves are very different, so I know I pulled out the right thing. It should be easier to get down on the ground and dig up the ivy and creeping charley without the sticky dead pieces poking me in the face. I was covered with pieces of dead twigs and had to vacuum myself when I went in. It takes a lot of work to maintain a yard. If I ever go to a new place, I will remember that and limit my planting. |