Barbara has expressed skepticism that the ‘Moonrise’ Japanese maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’) planted in the renovated garden space beside the sunroom will grow too large to obscure the view. Of course, she is somewhat correct, but after so many decades, she understands the obsessive stubbornness that once I’m stuck on a plant, there’s little hope for reconsideration.

My judgment that ‘Moonrise’ is properly placed, no doubt somewhat flawed, is based on fifteen years of growth by its cousin, the Golden Full Moon maple planted near the koi pond (below). The Full Moon is a particular favorite, somewhat due to the difficulty in acquiring the maple, but it is a beautiful tree. I’ve witnessed its moderate growth rate, so I’m confident that only minor pruning will be required to keep ‘Moonrise’ in bounds. But yes, in a few years, it will obstruct the view from this side of the sunroom to a small part of the garden.

A worthwhile tradeoff to my thinking. I tried unsuccessfully to find a spot for ‘Moonrise’ in recent years, but ripping out the overgrown area of garden to make room for construction was not planned to open space for the maple. Still, it quickly became apparent (to me) that this spot was ideal.

I often read that the best process to landscape an open area is to sleep on it, to consider options for weeks or a year rather than acting impulsively. No doubt, this works for some, and perhaps major issues are avoided with additional thought. That’s not how it works for me.