Arbor

I have been extremely fortunate in having the assistance of one specific helper who has exceptional abilities, resources, and talents. One of the first constructions he created at Crocker Croft is the small arbor.

The arbor is tucked under limbs of dogwood trees and perched approximately mid-way in the front edge of the Back Border. The plan was: Train some of the invasive Japanese honeysuckle vine to grow all over the arbor, and then try to eradicate it (if there ever is such a thing with that plant) on the rest of the bank and property.
One day Brian said, "Mrs. Crocker, do you want me to take out this honeysuckle?" "Yes, take it out." "It's the kind that smells good." "That's ok, take it out."

But, that did cause me to think the matter over. I really would miss that syrupy sweet fragrance if it were all gone. Thus was born the idea of an arbor of Japanese honeysuckle.


The vines are still young so I don't know if this idea in that location will produce the results I want. Maybe by July 2007 we will know. If not, that means the vines are not getting enough sun, and I need to think of another idea for honeysuckle.


My "Plan B", if the honeysuckle idea does not work, is to plant some Clematis plants there to grow on the arbor. There are varieties of Clematis that do better with some shade. That would be a good place for those. One that comes to mind is Nelly Moser. I have one in full sun and it does fade out. There are others, but I would need to look up their names.

Through the arbor can be seen a large stump called "Look Out Point".
It is the remains of a huge hackberry tree felled by the ice storm of 2003. A favorite spot with our grandchildren and visitors, its location is the very edge of a precipice and provides a good view of the Old Quarry.


Would you like to take a look?
Then step through the little arbor and up onto the stump,
Look Out Point

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