Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

Even though this shrub is purely ornamental, for me there is something very grounding in it. I appreciate it in all seasons and in the eight years it has been growing right by our front steps, only once has it given me any concern. Ahh the spring after the polar vortex 2019 poor Harry didn’t leaf out until mid-June.

But he’s done very well since and seems to have quite strong growth now. I have only had one “non-contorted” sucker that I pruned out, and I’d advise you to do the same.

This is not my photo but one lifted from the internet. My camera, or me, cannot catch this, my favorite stage of spring. So thank you to the unnamed person who took a great photo.