The original idea for the area beside the koi pond was well considered. A Seven Son Tree (Heptacodium miconioides) was the focal point, along with a ‘Butterfly’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum the ‘Butterfly’), two yuccas (Yucca rostrata), and smaller shrubs and perennials that would border the small trees. But, nature has its say in such matters, and the Seven Son was irreparably damaged in a summer storm. A replacement of suitable size could not be found (until several years later when two were purchased), so in my urgency to fill the irritating gap I quickly decided upon a Red Horse-chestnut (Aesculus x carnea) that was nearly equal in size to the recently lost Seven Son.

Certainly, this decision was rushed if not ill considered. I was aware that the Horse-chestnut is a medium sized shade tree that was to be plugged into a space more visually appropriate for a smaller tree, but typically, I figure that things will work out in the end. I calculated that the Horse-chestnut was marginally too large, and it is. I err on the side of slightly too large rather than too small, and of course, this has worked splendidly.

But, the Horse-chestnut has now grown to the point that I must consider what’s next. I’ve long expected that lower branches would some day be removed to spare neighboring plants, but I’ve delayed this pruning to enjoy the marvelous blooms close up. I must watch out so that the two tall yuccas are not hindered, but otherwise I think that I can hold off another year. Possibly, I can leave a lower branch or two when the pruning of lower branches becomes unavoidable.

Despite minor concerns that the Horse-chestnut will overly shade the area, I have no regrets. In a garden chock full of favored trees, the Horse-chestnut stands out. How many large trees flower so beautifully? And why aren’t these more common?

The Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is beginning to fade as the Horse-chestnut comes into flower. There is no concern for space at the garden’s border. The buckeye is a small tree or large shrub with splendid flowers only a notch below the Horse-chestnut’s. There were early concerns that its flowering might be limited by the shade of the neighboring forest, but I see no evidence of this.