A year of growing Crepe Myrtle — detailed seasonal notes

Here are my notes from twelve months of growing Crepe Myrtle:

Spring: blossom or leaf burst in spring creating dramatic transformation. This was the moment that confirmed the whole venture. I focused on keeping a mulch-free collar immediately around the trunk during this period which set up the rest of the year.

multi-decade investment that improves year on year developed steadily through the warmer months. root encroachment near drains or house foundations appeared in summer and required prompt treatment. The plant in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space performed better than I'd expected for the position. Overall: a rewarding year. The investment of attention is paid back generously.