The addition of the small stumpery is the most prominent change since the Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) fell in a late June storm, but there’s more. The side garden had long been a bit sparse, but the huge magnolia dominated the space so the lack of fullness was excused.

Without the magnolia, I was happy to see more sunlight, but to my tree obsessed eye the lack of canopy was unacceptable. A few shrub dogwoods filled some open ground, and a Flame Thrower redbud (Cercis canadensis Flame Thrower) will help fill the glaring void. Of course, it will shade only a fraction of the opening, so the dogwoods and transplanted deciduous azaleas should be happy.

As always, a few years of growth is necessary before plants fill in, but I think this part of the garden is headed in the right direction. Someday, probably after I’m dead and gone, the newly planted Wedding Cake dogwood (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) will fill the canopy. In the short term, I’m satisfied to finally have one in the garden. Its variegated leaves along with the Flame Thrower’s multi-colored display will contrast with the side garden’s mostly green foliage.

Other new plantings in the side garden won’t be seen until spring. I’m sure I’ve forgotten half of the mayapples, Solomon’s Seals, and jack-in-the-pulpits that I planted in recent weeks, so this is another reason to be anxious for spring.