The new groundcover beneath the allee of linden trees

This year, we decided to plant a groundcover beneath this allee of linden trees.  I wanted something a bit out of the ordinary and also something that would remain green throughout winter.   My gardeners and I decided on native Allegheny pachysandra and leatherwood fern.  Both are hardy in this planting zone and I think they will spread into a lovely carpet quite rapidly.

HERE’S A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DIFFERENT METHODS OF PRUNING.

There are many ways of pruning and training trees to grow in unusual shapes, and one very regal method is pleaching.  Essentially, an art form, pleaching involves intricately weaving together the branches of a row of trees.  As the trees mature, they’re meticulously trimmed, creating a hedge effect above their clear trunks.  Some that take well to pleaching are lindens, beeches, and hollies because they can tolerate constant clipping.

Coppicing and pollarding are very severe pruning methods.  When a tree is coppiced, it is regularly cut back to ground level to stimulate the growth of vigorous, new stems.  Pollarding involves cutting the branches back either to the trunk, or even all the way down to the top of the trunk, to produce a dense growth of new shoots.  These pruning methods were popular throughout history because they provided a renewable supply of firewood.  Today, gardeners use coppicing and pollarding mostly for ornamental effect, but because the size of a pollarded tree is greatly restricted, they’re also popular for street use in many crowded cities.

This is my allée of linden trees - with their pyramidal shape and slow growth, lindens are good specimens for the type of pruning called pleaching. I'll show you another photo of these trees once they leaf out. Despite the much-needed rain, the new pachysandra and ferns are laid out in position for planting as a ground cover.

This is Allegheney pachysandra.  Unlike the common Japanese variety, this native pachysandra boasts richly patterned two-toned leaves with a pleasing matte finish.

Jodi and Kim are showing off the lovely leatherwood fern.  With its dark green, leathery foliage, this fern is a perfect choice for a shady woodland garden.

I think the allée will be so beautiful when the pachysandra and ferns begin spreading.

Jodi, George, and Erica are digging and planting at a furious pace.

But there's always time for a little fun - poor George.

Comments

[Gladys Marie]

Such Fun.
Such Beauty.
Very Refreshing.
Thanks for Such Joyful Expertise.

[Nan Ashby]

Can't wait to see the result. I know it will be beautiful. I love to see pictures of your farm. The pachysandra and leatherwood fern will, I know, be an excellent groundcover for the linen trees. It looks like some of the prettiest grounds I've ever seen. Tell George he looks like a green-eyed monster. Nan

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Your allee of linden trees with native Allegheny pachysandra and leatherwood ferns is beautiful. I enjoyed seeing your photos. Seeing the linden trees reminds me of planting one with my Dad in our yard. Thanks for the memories!
Kathy

[Oatmeal Cookie Guy]

These photos make me want to move to the country and plant stuff!

[Andrew Ritchie]

What a gorgeous allee. Lindens are such big, majestic trees - perfect for an allee. The underplanting will make it look even more elegant.

-Andrew

[charmayne]

is it like heaven when u drive down ur lane of lindens in bloom, fascinating info on pruning of trees, i thought i new everything, do u have irrigation systems thruout, u have an extraordinary life, the bomb.

[Jen]

I'm happy to see that you're using native species!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, I love your gardners! Not only do they produce fantastic results, but they have a great time doing their work. The allee of linden trees is absolutely beautiful, even in the rain. The Allegheny pachysandra and the leatherwood ferns look great already. Can't wait to see how they look later. Is the pachysandra the same plant that Paw Paw used to love to sit in? Your photos are beautiful. I LOVE THIS BLOG! Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Trish]

You know what I like is the brick on both sides of the road/lane. Very nice! The view with the fence and the green grass on both sides is simply gorgeous. You are so lucky and I am so envious! Trish

[Kathy]

Hi again, Martha,
I enjoyed your program on crosswords today.
Kathy

[Nan Ashby]

Hi again Martha, I just recently reviewed your photos. I was intrigued my the stonewall fence. It's so, so beautiful. Here in Tennessee there are plenty of stonewall fences built before the Civil War. Is yours that old?

[Emily C.]

Wow, those pictures are beautiful! It makes me want to get out in the yard and plant.

[heidi]

Good Morning Martha, The border to your property is simply gorgeous! Also wanted to let you know that your blog was the first one I read. Loved it so much, that I started my own & it's safe to say I'm a bit addicted!...Thanks for all the inspiration!....Heidi :)

[Holly]

Martha, I am loving that picture of you driveway! (That is your driveway, right??) It looks like your weather is so much more appealing than where we are in Southern California! Wish we had a chilly little weekend, but no such luck! I am such a fan of you, and just came across your blog. I have actualy used some of your "crafts" on my own blog, they are great! I will be adding you to my favorites and checking back often! :)

[Mumtaz]

Those Muscari(s) are so beautiful, the cover of

www.citystyleandliving.com

an online magazine it is phenomenal, causing a buzz internationally, the food, fashion and travel articles are priceless. Take a peek.

[JBrennan]

Martha:

Thanks for the great pictures. Your alee is beautiful and your choice of underplantings is excellent. I'm sure the effect will be fantastic as they mature.

Will you be pruning your alee of linden trees by pleaching? Alees always make for a dramatic approach. Where does it terminate? Does it lead to one of the houses on your property?

Please keep the pictures coming!

Joseph

[rockdog12]

an underplanting of strawberry would have been nice also.
I remember walking home from school as a little girl. The pavement was so hot sometimes but when i turned down my street it was lined with Sycamore trees. I would run to the first tree and enjoy the shade.

[Cindy Bricker]

What an informative lesson on the different types of pruning! I consider myself a very seasoned gardener, but I didn't know about the three terms that you mentioned!

Your gardens are a feast for my eyes and my soul, as I have a great love for nature such as you. This is one (of many)
trait(s) you possess that I admire! =^..^=