Nirts LaDuff

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====== Monkey Puzzle Strip ======

[[:garden|← Back to Garden]]

A long, sheltered bed running along the western side of the garden, defined by the imposing presence of the [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:monkey_puzzle|Monkey Puzzle tree]] (*Araucaria araucana*). The canopy creates dappled shade that suits a layered planting of acid-loving ornamentals and woodland ground cover.

[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/97e88d7d-b15d-4097-aef3-6414b25826d6|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_this_is_more_of_a_todo.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip — view from the lawn showing the Monkey Puzzle canopy and emerging ground cover, March 2026}}]]

===== Plants =====

^ Plant ^ Type ^ Season of Interest ^ Page ^
| [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:monkey_puzzle|Monkey Puzzle]] | Evergreen conifer | Year-round structure | [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:monkey_puzzle|→]] |
| [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:pieris|Pieris japonica]] | Evergreen shrub | Winter–spring flowers; coloured new growth | [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:pieris|→]] |
| [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:camellia|Camellia japonica]] | Evergreen shrub | Winter–spring flowers | [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:camellia|→]] |
| [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:arum|Arum italicum]] | Tuberous perennial | Autumn–spring foliage; summer berries | [[garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:arum|→]] |

===== Photos — March 20, 2026 =====

[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/692f56ce-8751-4b74-ad53-3a3700bd62ff|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_photo_04.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/a9c22a5e-8e15-4f32-a1a7-1b38a0d8b830|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_photo_05.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/4cdcd9c8-9b10-441c-bb42-1157685c44cb|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_photo_06.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/2349bde7-80a7-4240-87ad-a52a28b0895f|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_photo_07.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/21279889-8937-46d9-8d87-bc8a3d4f325b|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_photo_08.jpg|Monkey Puzzle Strip, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/8f858f5d-9db0-47bc-8720-30b25ec18e3b|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_giant_lily.jpg|Giant lily emerging, March 20 2026}}]]
[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/97e88d7d-b15d-4097-aef3-6414b25826d6|{{garden:monkey_puzzle_strip:mar20_this_is_more_of_a_todo.jpg|Area near base of strip — needs planting, March 20 2026}}]]

===== Character =====

The strip has a structured, layered feel — the towering Monkey Puzzle provides the canopy, with Pieris and Camellia forming the mid-storey, and Arum italicum carpeting the woodland floor. Drip irrigation has been installed to support the established shrubs. An orange marker flag near the Monkey Puzzle was noted in March 2026.

===== Notes =====

  * Mulch annually to maintain soil acidity and moisture under the Pieris and Camellia
  * Arum italicum self-seeds freely — pull unwanted seedlings in spring
  * Camellia flower colour not yet documented — photograph when in bloom
  * **TODO:** Area near base of strip (photographed March 20) is sparse — plan what to plant here