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A Beautiful & Messy Walnut Tree

I’m fortunate that I live in the older part of town with mature trees. I’ve got a pie cherry and magnolia tree in my yard that are both pretty big. I also have a giant BLACK WALNUT hanging over my fence from the neighbor’s yard. At least I think its a black walnut. Anyway, I’ve got half my perennial bed growing under it and it seems to be working so far – the rumor is the certain plants can’t grow at the base of a black walnut tree. It’s been five years so far and the garden seems fine.

On top of that, it’s a messy tree. Seems it’s always dropping something: leaves, twigs, flower buds, walnut bombs and then saplings. Anyway, this post is really a note to myself.

Note to self: The walnut tree makes a big mess of your front yard in mid to late June.

Walnut mess

Perennial garden under the walnut

Majestic walnut

Oh, and the other benefit of the giant walnut tree is squirrel food. Since they’ve got plenty to eat, they leave my garden along.

10 Comments Post a comment
  1. I’ve got three sweet gum trees in my front yard. I understand trees and their messes. You’ve got a really nice garden, regardless. :)

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    June 25, 2011
    • Thank you. I’m glad I’m not alone. I’m pretty sure most gardeners battle at least one messy tree. I’m sorry to hear you have three!

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      June 26, 2011
  2. The foxgloves look pretty majestic too in that last photo. You have a beautiful front yard. Very lush with rich planting.

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    June 25, 2011
    • Thanks Apel. I like to plant really close and them move stuff around when they get squished. And yes, my foxgloves get crazy tall. I think they like all the rain we’ve been getting. I normally get one or two tall ones but this year they’re all tall. For reference, the hedge is about 7′ tall and some are taller than the hedge! Crazy.

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      June 26, 2011
  3. I’ve also heard that it’s difficult to grow things under a black walnut…you seen to have no issue :) Beautiful flower beds :)

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    June 26, 2011
  4. Your garden is absolutely lovely!

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    July 2, 2011
  5. Wonderful blog update and your gardens are beautiful can’t say the enough Thank you for the share

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    October 16, 2011
  6. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice from my website =). We may have a hyperlink exchange agreement among us

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    December 15, 2011
  7. Wow, Angela, this is the most beautiful gardening blog and you have all sorts of interesting topics happening with the chickens, etc. I love your black walnut garden; it’s gorgeous! I also have one, but the trees are closer, and more numerous . . . . and my climate not nearly as lovely as yours.

    Gardening under a Black Walnut Tree

    Also, this top photo is my black walnut garden:

    Gallery

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    March 9, 2012

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