"Calling Captain Autumn" - Nick Heyward
- S.W.A.M.P.
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
On a dry, Monday afternoon, members of the Morston S.W.A.M.P. team set about planting a new tree for the environment ... with thanks to Charlie and Helen Ward for supplying the gift and to Gardner's World for this useful information.
"The Spindle tree, also known as European spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) is a native shrub or small tree that goes largely unnoticed for most of the year, but then more than makes up for it in autumn, when its leaves and fruits take centre stage. The foliage turns bright shades of red, which are complemented by pink fruits that split open to reveal orange seeds (known as arils). The fruits remain on the tree for some time and, as well as being attractive, they are an excellent source of food for birds in winter. Outside autumn, spindle is a fantastic wildlife plant, as its leaves are eaten by several species of moth, including the spindle moth, and its inconspicuous flowers are visited by pollinators."
You will agree that this is an ideal plant for the area around Morston pond, helping all kinds of biodiversity as well as improving the view!
Autumn is one of the best times, when the soil is warm and moist.
The plant was watered thoroughly in its pot before planting. A hole was dug at least twice the width of the rootball and the same depth. A fork was used to break up the sides and base of the hole.
The shrub was removed from its pot and any spiralling roots teased out. The plant was placed in the hole with the roots spread out and the top of the rootball level with the ground.
It was partly backfilled around the roots with the excavated soil and firmed gently to get rid of any air pockets, so the roots are in good contact with the soil - then topped up with more soil to firm down.
Once watered well, It will be necessary to keep watered during dry spells.
