Last Chance Landscaping: Crepe Myrtle TO DIE in 72 Hours

Grant Hohenadel’s lovely crepe myrtle a stay of execution, if you can. Pro-flora contractor Mike Labetti has tried to figure out a way to save ‘er, but she’s just too big to work around. Monday, she’s gotta go.

crepe myrtle macro

Sorry, pretty pink flowers, cheering up the entrance. Now that the god-awful overhang is gone, Mike can start working on seating for five while he designs a new, period-appropriate pediment for the home’s facade.

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He was hoping to get a fresh coat of stucco on before the party — that ain’t gonna happen. But he does have two surprises to give the house some extra curb appeal: he wouldn’t divulge specifics, but he said he’s found some “Fairmount park salvage” that’s gonna really make the house pop for the party.

Meanwhile, the race is on to find Hohenadel’s crepe myrtle a new home. If you’ve got a sunny corner in your yard that could use some shade and color, now’s the perfect time to transplant this species in Southeastern PA:

If you are planning on transplanting your Crape Myrtle tree the best time to transplant in the northeast is in mid April or mid September through mid October.  Roots need time to become established before the summer heat or winter cold set in. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and make sure the tree sits at the height of the surface or slightly above.  Apply a layer of mulch around the tree to protect the roots and keep well watered until established.  Crape Myrtle are somewhat sensitive to cold so there may be some branch die back in the first season until the plant becomes well established. 

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If you’re interested in transplanting your very own piece of East Falls shrubbery, respond to Felicite’s NextDoor listing or give us a shout here at admin@EastFallsHouse.com and we’ll pass your info along. If no one responds by Monday, it’s curtains for the myrtle.

Such a shame, to trash such a healthy, beautiful living thing.  Crepe myrtles are hardy and easy to care for, and bloom all season long. And they symbolize LOVE!

And the best kinda love, too:  the lasting kind.  A sprig of myrtle is a royal wedding tradition, representing marital fidelity and uncomplicated affection. These blossoms are believed to bring good luck in relationships as well as happiness and prosperity in the home, and a long life.

Perhaps if no one comes to get her, she’d be a good candidate for a guerrilla planting on that sad,  unkempt traffic island at Midvale and Kelly.

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 (we’re totally NOT meeting at Bulogics Monday at 3 am with a backhoe… )

 

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