I noticed there are no use categories for: Arbor/Trellis (required for vines, climbers, scramblers); Espalier (number of fruit trees and ornamentals can be espaliered); Topiary (yep, people really do this); Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree (or is that subsumed under "Flowering Tree"?)

Is there any particular reason why they aren't included? Could they be?

Monica

No feelings here about it one way or the other. But I thought I'd mention that if there's ever anything that you want to add (like requires trellis) but there's no option, you can always add it as a comment.

Karen

Hi Monica, I like the idea adding something to address plants which do best with support. I remember asking Zuzu about my Evangeline rose and discovering the various roses which require support. Would you mind elaborating on "Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree". Are you referring to suitable for potting?

Evan, maybe "Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree" is used more in the South. It could be a container plant or in ground, like Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet) or some citrus here in 9b. It's the size and function rather than where it's planted that makes it that category.

Typically, it's a tree (or shrub trained to 1-2 trunks) no more than 10'-12' that could be incorporated into a border (or on the patio) without overwhelming other plants, or be a focal point for mixed plantings. To try to put it in more Northern terms, my friend in Minnesota has the dwarf ornamental crab apple 'Cinderella' - it's very slow growing and reaches maybe 8' at maturity with a little dense rounded crown. It's the centerpiece of that bed with other shrubs and perennials supporting the design (doesn't that sound la-de-dah). That would be an example of the category. You might use a dwaf-ish conifer in the same way, like Thuja 'DeGroot's Spire'. On the other hand, Thuja 'Green Giant' wouldn't fit.

Here's an example of Brugmansia (a Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree). Notice that it doesn't terribly shade other plants, nor be out of proportion (I hope)




The more I explain, the more confusing it sounds! But does that help at all?
Monica

Hi Monica, Thanks for the very clear description and I find the proportions pleasing.

Very pleasing.

The nice thing about our "Uses" area is we can add a lot of items.

I have added under "Uses" Espalier, Topiary, and "Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree".

Thanks Dave.

Happily, and thank you for the ideas!