Hansjörg Göritz  Studio

April 2014

Natchez Orchard Pruning and Planting

After winter pruning in January, it is about to become spring. Crape Myrtle, the favored specimen for an orchard to the Göritz House, is typical for the southern United States. Centuries ago it was brought from China. Lagerstroemia Indica and its derivates in various colors are now considered indigenous. The white blooming Natchez is unique for its cinnamon colored, pealing bark, typical for mature trees, which reminds one of European Sycamores. Similar to an art of large scale Bonsai, its expressive ornamental character is shaped by pruning it from a shrub, which makes it an act of sculpting.