Time Of The [re]Turning

Okay, we are back. It has been a rough winter, but spring is finally here. I have been fighting the winter doldrums since November, and it finally got the better of me. But with the sunshine and the temperatures warming, I'm feeling more normal every day.

There hasn't been much to report on the house, Jack did come and collect the front door, and the new screen door/storm door, but I know he is busy, so I don't know what stage they are at right now. I hope to have the new doors in place in time to enjoy the screen door this spring. We'll see.

Last week we pulled that ugly shrub in front of the porch. I'm so glad to see it go. The new grass is beginning to make an appearance, and I'm planning what type of small, ornamental tree I would like in that spot.

I've always loved purple-leaf plum trees, but I'm hesitant because of the plum-pox virus. Although it has now been almost completely lifted for almost the whole original quarantine area in South-Central Pennsylvania, and it was never actually restricted in my township, I'm still not sure it is responsible of me to plant one. So, I'm not sure what else to plant.

It is a tough spot, right between the porch and the sidewalk. I don't want the roots to interfere with the foundation of the house, or to cause the sidewalk to buckle. I don't want something that is going to drop fruit on the porch or sidewalk, making stains. Or worse, having berries the birds will eat, then drop their berry-colored poop all over my car. Also, I have to keep it to a short tree because of powerlines that run right above the sidewalk, parallel to the house. But I want something to shade the front porch a bit. And I want something with dark purple foliage, to contrast nicely with the green siding. What else fits that bill?