Work to tidy up the garden has begun. As always, periods of labor are interrupted by extended wanderings to enjoy the early blooms. With flowering of witch hazels, paperbushes, and bulbs that had been delayed by the chilly winter, this inefficient clean up will continue several days longer. But, this is my reward for surviving another long winter. Buds of several magnolias are cracking open, though I expect no fully opened flowers for another week.

The March flowers of the variegated Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas ‘Variegata’, flowering today, above and spring foliage, below) are delightful, but the tree must show some growth this spring or it could get the boot. I’ve considered its removal several times as it remains nearly the same size as when it was planted a decade ago.

Clearly unhappy with its position, I’ve moved the small tree twice, but with no improvement in its disposition. I know, disturbing the roots with the transplant sets it back, but it’s been in this spot for several years without showing improvement. This should be an ideal location in part sun, and if it perks up the yellow flowers and variegated leaves will make a great contrast with a background of green and red foliage. I hate to give up on a plant, but the Cornelian cherry has disappointed for too long.

I am debating if I should prune the yellow-leafed winter hazel (Corylopsis spicata  ‘Ogon’, above). Its habit is to sprawl, and while it is close to a path in the lower rear garden, it hasn’t become a problem. Ideally, I’d like for more compact branching so that the flowers make a better show. But, I rarely prune anything until it becomes a nuisance. Why become proactive now?

Sadly, today I have cut the substantial dead wood from the favorite Fernleaf Japanese maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’, autumn foliage above and spring flowers below). Live buds on the tree’s lower third indicated the point to cut, and I expect vigorous growth in several weeks. Perhaps this will disguise the large cuts, but I don’t expect this, and anticipate the tree’s removal.

I have purchased a small, variegated Chinaberry (Melia azedarach ‘Jade Snowflake’) as a possible replacement. It will be pot grown for a year to gain some size. This will give every opportunity for the Fernleaf maple to recover. Changes are inevitable in the garden. I’ll grieve the maple’s loss, but I look forward to the Chinaberry’s distinctive variegation.