Such wonderful description of a stellar plant, Andrew. Yew really is the perfect backdrop isn't it. It's a wonder, as you say, how it allows itself to be clipped into a hedge. I love the idea that it is without ego. As a lover of topiary I'm keen to plant a few in my new garden. Thanks for sharing this , Andrew.
Oscar fits so well! Fun to have a bush named Oscar in the garden. Your post has me headed out into the garden for photos of the new snow that fell overnight. Temperature is still good but dropping tonight to below zero here in the mid USA.
Oh yes, Anne! Phytopthera loves a soggy yew root, that's how Sissinghurst lost some of theirs in the noughties. Interestingly ours have been in the drink several times on clay and haven't carked it yet.
Such wonderful description of a stellar plant, Andrew. Yew really is the perfect backdrop isn't it. It's a wonder, as you say, how it allows itself to be clipped into a hedge. I love the idea that it is without ego. As a lover of topiary I'm keen to plant a few in my new garden. Thanks for sharing this , Andrew.
Franny
Thanks Franny, so pleased to discover that you're a fellow lover of yew. Do you use it much in your work?
Yes, it's perfect in wreaths. I don't even bother to out it in water when I cut it. Such a gift, isn't it
Oscar fits so well! Fun to have a bush named Oscar in the garden. Your post has me headed out into the garden for photos of the new snow that fell overnight. Temperature is still good but dropping tonight to below zero here in the mid USA.
I'm so jealous of your snow, Joanne. Do you think I'll need googly eyes and a massive trash can lid for the Oscar thing?
Word of warning - we have carelessly killed yew before now by letting it get too wet.
Oh yes, Anne! Phytopthera loves a soggy yew root, that's how Sissinghurst lost some of theirs in the noughties. Interestingly ours have been in the drink several times on clay and haven't carked it yet.
Piet Oudolf also lost yews from flooding. Hope yours (and ours) go on thriving!
Oscar would be perfect!
(And if you ever get across the pond, Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland is definitely worth a visit -- much more than topiary and very fun!)